The Islanders are alive -- and well. Just how well will be determined tomorrow night (7:30 p.m.) at UBS Arena.
The New York Islanders are alive -- and well.
Just how well will be determined tomorrow night (7:30 p.m.) at UBS Arena.
The 5-3 victory over the previously hot Red Wings in Detroit last night was a spirit and confidence booster.
Having disposed of the Stars in Dallas and now snapping the Red Wings six-game win streak, Patrick Roy's squad is demonstrating that it can beat the biggies -- with Boston next on the list; this time in Elmont.
"This was a big win," said Mat Barzal, who scored the game-winner, shooting from the right of the net at an impossible angle but bouncing it off goalie Alex Lyon. "It was especially nice to put an exclamation on the game with an empty netter."
Pierre Envall tallied the fifth (ENG) goal after another evening of Isles-blown leads right into the third period, which was tied 3-3 until Barzy delivered.
"In this league," Roy explained, "you have a lot of blow leads. A one-goal or two-goal lead doesn't necessarily mean that much. Blown leads happen when you have a lead."
The fact that Engvall could find the empty net was a novelty for the Orange and Blue after the two missed chances against the Rangers at MetLife Field in the great outdoors.
The other nice novelty is a major line change. Roy has placed Brock Nelson on a trio with Bo Horvat and Barzal. The Skipper calls the unit "Game Changers."
It produced three goals -- two by Nelson -- and an assist, as well as ten shots on goal.
"We want these two wins to be the start of something," added Nelson. "We'll get some rest at home and get ready for Boston. It won't be easy for us."
That's why this two-win road trip was so vital to the Islanders. Beating the Stars in Dallas and then stopping the Detroit streak at six is an admirable accomplishment. Not to mention the fact that the special teams worked.
The penalty kill was a perfect two for two, and Nelson notched a power play goal. Although Horvat failed to obtain a point, he was a demon on face-offs, winning 16 of 21 for a hefty 76 percent success rate.
The Islanders' energizer bunny Casey Cizikas has been recharged with Engvall and Simon Holmstrom, with that line playing a part in two goals against Detroit and one against Dallas.
Determined to find a sustainable winning combination, Roy altered the defense. The coach split the Adam Pelech-Ryan Pulock unit. Pelech worked with Noah Dobson, while Pulock paired with Alex Romanov.
Sibby Aho rounded out the third set with Mike Reilly.
No question this club needs a hefty streak if it hopes to get back into the playoff mix. Hey, if Detroit can put six W's together it shouldn't be viewed as an Islanders fan's dream for the Locals to pull it off.
So, the quest resumes tomorrow at UBS against a team that knows all about winning streaks, the Beantown Bruins.
And here's a good playoff race incentive booster. The Isles are six points behind Tampa Bay, but the Nassaumen have three games in hand.
Win those three games and you have six points!