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Game Recap (Game 24): NYI vs CBJ

December 1, 2019, 4:46 PM ET [173 Comments]
Ben Shelley
New York Islanders Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The New York Islanders won their first game since losing their point streak at the hands of the Anaheim Ducks. Here’s the game recap from their matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets last night.

The shots were pretty even in the first period but I thought New York got the majority of the good chances. The Islanders struck early, with a nice passing play finished off by Anders Lee, who beat Elvis Merzlikins over the shoulder about a minute into the game. Anthony Beauvillier and Casey Cizikas both had good chances after that but Merzlikins made some good saves.

Then in a bit of a weird twist, Thomas Greiss left the game for undisclosed reasons and Semyon Varlamov had to step in. Greiss was around on the bench and was on the ice congratulating Varlamov after the win, so thankfully it seems like it’s nothing major.

In the second period, Oliver Bjorkstrand did test Varlamov with a good shot off a rush, which Varlamov stopped with his left pad. Then back in Columbus’ zone, Brock Nelson made some nice moves in the offensive zone to get around some Blue Jackets forwards and got the puck back for a great chance in front but was stopped by Merzlikins. Scott Mayfield got a chance a little later after Barzal danced around Bjorkstrand beyond the Blue Jackets’ goal line but couldn’t beat the post.

Barzal would find his way onto the scoresheet a little later though, as Adam Pelech flipped the puck in the air and Barzal won the race for it, before going to his backhand and roofing it over Merzlikins.

In the third period, Varlamov came up big, as the Blue Jackets outshot New York 17-6 but couldn’t score. There were a couple scrambles in front and Varlamov did his job.

Overall, Varlamov did a great job in relief of Greiss. New York was outshot 39-27 but for the first two periods, the Islanders had the bulk of the good chances.

New York’s next game comes tomorrow against the Detroit Red Wings.
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