Like so many other Islander games, it looked like a certain loss. And if you hung out until the second period, as the hour drew late, you may have opted to just turn off the TV and hit the sack. I almost did the same. Especially since Michael Grabner, who is now on the first line, did not return for the third period after taking a hit late in the second along the boards.
This game was filled with physical mayhem inflicted by Vancouver. But they paid a price for it as they spent time in the box handing the Isles power play time. Of coruse, with the Isles power play being somewhat unproductive, would it really matter?
And then a miracle happen -- a bonafide miracle. Josh Bailey scored a goal. Vancouver was shorthanded and Josh Bailey was in the right place at the right time and just managed to tee it up perfectly to beat Lack to put the Isles on the scoreboard after three unanswered Vancouver goals.
Eddie Lack, who has handled being the center of controversy these past few days, was suddenly replaced by a piece of swiss cheese and a barage of Islander goals then progressed.
Ryan Strome scored at 3:14, then Calvin deHaan at 3:36 tied it. Just like Bailey's, these goals were on the Power Play. At 6:22 of the third, Frans Nielsen gave the Isles the leade. But Tortorella's Canucks weren't giving up, Christopher Tanev scored at 9:54 to tie it up.
And then another miracle happened. Matt Martin made it 5 - 4 at 9:54, then Anders Lee scored at 11:45, it was 6 - 4 Islanders and I don't think even Butch and Jiggs could explain it. It was as if the Hockey Gods just said 'nah... you're not winning this one Torts."
Cal Clutterbuck, who had basically scored one of the Vancouver goals himself and changed his name to Cal ClutterCrease, added the empty netter just for good measure.
A 7 - 4 win to end the road trip, but how long are we without Michael Grabner? Not sure.
But my -- how things change change when you don't expect it!