As the New York Islanders prepare for their first road game of the season tonight in Buffalo, they can look back on last night's 4-3 overtime loss to New Jersey with mixed emotions.
As the New York Islanders prepare for their first road game of the season tonight in Buffalo, they can look back on last night's 4-3 overtime loss to New Jersey with mixed emotions.
The Maven's following capsule comments conclude that getting five out of a possible six points (2-0-1) to open their home campaign is must better than previous curtain-lifters at UBS Arena. So, here we go with the five goodies:
1. Brocktober: Big Brock Nelson sustained the tradition of his nickname with another pair of goals, upping his October grand total to 35 red lights.
2. Go, Bo, Go: The projection was that Bo Horvat would find his goal-scoring touch once he started his first full season as an Islander. His two goals against New Jersey underlined the point(s).
3. Even Strength Strong: If one were to subtract the Devils' power-play goals, you would find that the Orange and Blue outscored their foes at even strength. It's a point worth remembering.
4. Show-Stopping Sorokin: Despite his first defeat at home, Ilya Sorokin played a strong -- many highlight reel saves -- game in goal for the home club.
5. Bo Quote Of The Game: "If we had stayed out of the penalty box, it would have been a different game. But I'm proud of the way we were resilient."
Department of Tweaks: Last season, the Isles finished a solid ninth overall out of 32 in the penalty kill zone. Last night's ersatz PK effort was an aberration that needs a bit of fixin'.