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Isles Rookies put on a Show with 3-2 SO Win

April 11, 2014, 11:23 PM ET [0 Comments]
Dee Karl
New York Islanders Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The mostly inexperienced NY islanders bench was told by Jack Capuano to just enjoy themselves and make the most of their opportunity. They did. But they enjoyed the shoot out win against the NJ Devils even more.

It doesn't matter that the game meant nothing on the score sheet, but the lessons were priceless, especially to Justin Johnson. The 32-year-old played his first NHL game. He may play Sunday against Buffalo. He may never play another NHL game again. As a matter of fact, there may be quite a few names on the current Islanders roster that may never play another NHL game after Sunday. Tonight, in New Jersey, they were officially in the NHL and they made the most of it.

(This is very telling: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bk-2oSyIEAAFSIh.jpg )

Anders Lee, who hadn't scored as much as he would have liked, opened the scoring at 9:56 of the first period two on one with a riffle of a shot that just skimmed Brodeur's right side before hitting the back of the net.

Ryan Strome doesn't have to worry about not making it back to the NHL. Strome not only tied the score at two with a power play goal, but he also followed Josh Bailey's lead using a spin-o-rama move on Martin Brodeur in the shoot-out. Strome was poised and calm. Brodeur, who had been knocked down twice during the game, was angry as hell. So much so, after Josh Bailey scored on the shoot-out, Brodeur shot the puck at him as he skated away. The puck hit Bailey in the back, but he didn't even flinch.

Brock Nelson could have ended the game in regulation as he skated in unimpeded on Brodeur with Strome following close behind for the rebound. But Brodeur made an amazing glove save just to show the kids he still had it.

Marty robbed Bailey of a goal too during an over time Isles power play when they skated 4 on 3. All in all, Brodeur faced 30 Islander shots while Anders Nilsson faced 27 including one from Patick Elias that he couldn't stop.

Glen "Chico" Resch announced his retirement and Howie Rose and MSG did a very nice job of compiling a tribute. The Isles almost lost Casey Cizikas as he was hit with a shoulder and went down awkwardly. But he returned and stayed in the game.

Amazing even if this means nothing. Let's see what happens on Sunday.
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