The Islanders look to extend their winning streak to a season high 5 games as they head up to Canada to face the Ottawa Senators. The Isles now sit three points behind the Rangers with both having played 27 games.
It took about two periods for the Isles to get going Friday night vs the Blues. The third line sparked the team as Mikhail Grabovski played a little give and go with Ryan Strome. Grabovski's first shot was stopped by Blues goalie Brian Elliot. Grabovski got his own rebound and put it in to tie the game at 1. It was Grabovski's fifth goal of the year and second vs St Louis. Ryan Strome's assist gave him his fifth point (2 goals, 3 assists) in five games since his return from Bridgeport. I really like how Strome has given life back to the third line.
Frans Nielsen's shootout goal last night set two NHL records. His 41st career shootout goal broke a tie with Jonathan Toews. It was also his 17th game-deciding shootout goal, breaking a tie with Sidney Crosby, T.J. Oshie, Patrick Kane and Mikko Koivu.
Last night's win was the first when trailing after two periods (1-6-2). They own the Western Conference this season with a 10-2-1 record. This was the first season sweep of the St Louis Blues in 31 years.
Jaroslav Halak will be in net tonight. Both goalies have been brilliant this season. They have allowed 11 goals in the past 6 games. Halak is going to need to keep his strong play going in order to defeat the Senators who have scored 32 goals in their past 9 games (5-2-2).
It's no coincidence that the Isles are unbeaten since Thomas Hickey's return and Brian Strait's benching.