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The New York Islanders took a 3-0 series lead over the Washington Capitals yesterday, with a 2-1 overtime win in Game 3.
Once again, the Islanders were the better team and deserved the win. They outshot the Capitals 34-23 and completely out-chanced them.
Semyon Varlamov had a strong game and had to make a key breakaway save on Jakub Vrana in overtime (and stop the rebound). Despite Varlamov not getting tested a ton in the series, it’s saves like those that go a long way for the Islanders. I will say to be fair, this was also by far Braden Holtby’s best game of the series. He made some really difficult saves and can’t be faulted for either of New York’s goals.
One issue for New York was the power play. They went 0-for-5 in Game 4 and considering they’re tied for the most power play chances of any team in the playoffs for far, if they were able to capitalize more often, it could be a difference-maker.
I think this series has shown just how good of a team the Islanders can be when they stick to their game. They’ve stopped Washington’s high-powered offense in their tracks and have managed to find some scoring of their own.
Right now, the Islanders look like a team that could make a deep playoff run.
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Here’s today’s poll question (results and discussion will be posted in a future article):
Game 1 Preview: Islanders vs. Panthers Notes from Game 1 vs. Panthers Reviewing last week's polls (August 3): Islanders Edition Game 2 Preview: Islanders vs. Panthers Notes from Game 2 vs. Panthers Game 3 Preview: Islanders vs. Panthers Notes from Game 3 vs. Panthers Game 4 Preview: Islanders vs. Panthers Islanders advance: Notes from Game 4 vs. Panthers Islanders will face Capitals in first round Reviewing last week's polls (August 10): Islanders Edition Previewing New York's series against the Capitals Notes from Game 1: Islanders vs. Capitals Game 2 Preview: Islanders vs. Capitals Notes from Game 2: Islanders vs. Capitals Game 3 Preview: Islanders vs. Capitals