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On Friday, the New York Islanders held their first scrimmage of training camp.

Ruslan Iskhakov Snipes On The Power Play

EAST MEADOW, NY -- On Friday, the New York Islanders held their first scrimmage of training camp. 

Here were the teams:

At the end of the 60-minute affair, the Blue team came away victorious, beating White 3-2. 

Prospect Alex Jefferies opened up the scoring, burying a rebound from the low slot early in the first period. 

After the scrimmage, he said he felt like he belonged out there and spoke on the importance of scoring gritty goals.

"If you're not getting the [sniper] types of goals, you need to find a different way to get them, so it's definitely important to go to the greasy areas," Jefferies told The Hockey News. "They all count the same, so it felt good to get that one."

Jefferies, who had four goals and three assists in 12 games with Bridgeport last year, is gearing up for his first full season in the AHL. 

"He sees the game really well. He's got really good skill," Islanders captain Anders Lee said. "I like the way he thinks the game. And I think if he gets space, he can be really, really dynamic with it."

In the second period, Hudson Fasching made a quick read, chipping a pass with one hand to Brian Pinho, who buried high blocker side on Marcus Hogberg to tie the game at 1-1. 

Blue retook the lead after prospect Matthew Maggio buried a penalty shot:

"That's been my go-to for the last year or so," Maggio told THN.  "I did it in Bridgeport a few times. I go in on an angle, so I can always cut back to my backhand whenever I want to, and I just try to look up at the goalie and wait for him to bring his glove up or drop his glove."

Maggio, who lined up at center for the first time ever, made some heads-up reads and quick drop passes, showing off the creativity. 

"I have a lot more respect for the centerman for just how much they do," Maggio said. "They have to be smart in the defensive zone. Then they have to be ready, positionally, in the offensive zone. So, you are just trying to balance that. And that was good. They know that I'm not a centerman, and I haven't been, but if that's what it takes for me to get a chance, you got to come in and be ready."

Blue made it 3-1 late in the third after Maggio won an offensive-zone draw before Worcester forward Riley Piercey sniped Henrik Tikkanen high glove side.

Lee scored on a penalty shot to make it 3-2, but that's as close as White would get. 

Following the game, Roy made them bag skate. 

STANDOUTS

  • Simon Holmstrom seemed ultra-confident in his decision-making and was arguably the best overall player on the ice. 
  • Pierre Engvall used his body and frame to protect the puck.
  • Liam Foudy can flat-out fly with a couple of breakaway chances.
  • Maxim Tsyplakov understands the system and knows when to slow down the pace of play.

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