Once again, with Jiggs McDonald in the booth, the AHL Islanders pulled off a come from behind win on the road.
The young players continued their education as Anders Lee scored twice and Brock Nelson forced the game into overtime. Anders Nilsson made 36 saves on 39 shots while Evgeni Nabokov sat on the bench.
Justin Johnson, the 32-year-old NHL rookie once again made an impression by taking down John Scott only 2:22 into the first period. The fact that he was a foot taller than Justin didn't matter. One good punch and Scott hit the ice.
Brett Gallant continued his Isles tough guy screen test by taking on ex-Islander Zenon Konopka. In all seriousness, I didn't even realize it was him. Gallant came away with a slight edge. Scott Mayfield did not fair as well in the fight corner as Deslauriers took advantage of the youngster and he went to the box bloody.
They wanted to show Jack Capuano their 'battle level.' Truth be told, they did not dog it this last, meaningless game. They skated, they fought, they made plays, they took the game to overtime and won the shoot out. Jack said he was proud of them. He should be.
Some of these players who wore an Isles jersey these last games will struggle for a place on the team in September. Some of them may even make it. Some of them may never have an NHL experience again. At least they gave it everything they had.
But not it is done and the Islanders will pack up their lockers tomorrow and head into the off season. They will train, they will rest and one of them will even get married. The off-season starts tomorrow.
For so many injured players -- it started a long time ago.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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