Two points wasn’t the only thing the Isles lost on Saturday night in Boston. They also lost Cal Clutterbuck, Michael Grabner and Calvin deHaan. Jack Capuano said this is when the Isles team depth will be apparent and necessary.

Colin McDonald was once again called up from Bridgeport, after having played the previous night for the Sound Tigers. Finally allowed into the line-up, he opened the scoring for the Isles late in the first period on the fourth line.

McDonald is quoted in the Islanders post game report by Cory Wright as saying “I was waiting for my opportunity, I understand my role and the role I am in this year and you just have to be ready whenever they put you in. I was glad to get one in the net.”

Also called up from Bport was HARRY ZOLNIERCZYK. WHO? Yeah, I had never heard that name before this afternoon. He played almost 12 minutes and had one shot and three hits. With Matt Martin still in a full face shield with a busted nose, McDonald did the bulk of the hitting.

Anders Lee scored a power play goal midway through the second period and Grabovski scored a minute later. It was the dreaded three to zip lead. On the Sabres bench, Ted Nolan blew a gasket. His team responded to the tongue lashing by scoring two quick goals. It was going to happen again. The Isles were going to lose after having a three goal lead. Or were they?

The Isles held the Sabres to only two shots during the third period. They had ten total for the full game. The two goals Halak let up in the second period were on only three shots. This isn’t doing much for his save percentage. But there was no additional scoring from either side in the third and the Isles managed to hold on for the win.

1. Eric Hornick ‏@ehornick 1h1 hour ago
Just call them your 1st place #Isles...move 1 pt ahead of #Penguins, match club record for wins thru 53 games. (78/79 & 81/82)

As of tonight, the Isles are one point ahead of Pittsburgh and four points ahead of the Rangers. The gap between the dreaded cross-town rivals is much smaller than it had been. That depth Jack feels Garth Snow has built will be put to the test as the Isles cannot afford to lose to Edmonton, the Leafs, the Blue Jackets or the Rangers during their four game home stand.

They also cannot afford to lose any more players to injury.

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