Game Summary:
At the halfway point of the season the Islanders take down the New Jersey Devils with a final score of 3-2. The Devils lead the majority of the game but with a very strong third period from the Islanders, they came back from a 2-1 deficit and WON. Varlamov made some really nice saves to keep the Isles in it. Kieffer Bellows who was filling in for Anders Lee shined tonight scoring two key goals that tied and got the leading goal for the Isles. Rookie Oliver Wahlstrom also scored tonight for the Islanders. The Islanders still lead the MassMutual East with the win tonight. The Islanders also extended their win streak to 8 games and point streak to 11 games. If the Islanders continue to play this way, they will be a very difficult team to beat.
1st Period Breakdown-
The Islanders started the period off strong with an early powerplay coming 3:48 into the game with a bunch of chances but didn’t score. Pavel Zacha got the Devils on the board early on a weak shot that just passed Varlamov. With 2:02 left in the first, Oliver Wahlstrom snipes one past Blackwood. Varlamov recorded an assist on Wahlstrom's goal. The Islanders outshot the Devils 13 to 6.
2nd Period Breakdown-
The Islanders started the period very slow in which the Devils capitalized taking a 2-1 lead on an unlucky bounce. The Islanders had multiple power plays and could not capitalize on any. The Islanders were outshot 18 to 10.
3rd Period Breakdown-
The Islanders started the third period down 2-1 and came out flying, scoring TWO early goals in a 3:11 minute span. The first goal coming at 18:01 and the second one coming at 14:50.
About the writer: Jacob Beekman- For daily New York Islanders news, analysis, coverage and more be sure to follow @IslandersOnly on Instagram.