Follow me on Twitter:
@BenShelley_20
Follow HockeyBuzz Islanders on Twitter:
@HB_Islanders
The New York Islanders returned to action last night, defeating the Vancouver Canucks 6-3.
After failing to capitalize on an early 2-on-0, the Islanders opened the scoring just over three minutes into the game, as Noah Dobson came down the wing and got the puck out front to Zach Parise, who shovelled it past Jaroslav Halak. Then just 18 seconds later, Adam Pelech’s point shot deflected in off Brock Nelson, and New York continued to pile on, as Ryan Pulock threw the puck on net just 13 seconds later and it went in off Anders Lee. With three goals in 31 seconds, the Islanders had a 3-0 lead under four minutes into the game.
New York wasn’t done there, as Casey Cizikas deflected a pass from Anthony Beauvillier past Jaroslav Halak later in the frame. Then after that, Anders Lee got the puck to Mathew Barzal who went in alone and roofed it over Halak, making it a 5-0 game. Oliver Ekman-Larsson would get one back for the Canucks before the end of the frame but New York still took a huge four-goal lead into the intermission.
The Canucks did rebound in the second period and generated some shots after New York took a couple penalties. Elias Pettersson drove to the front of the net and tucked the puck past Ilya Sorokin later in the period, then Luke Schenn’s shot got through Sorokin just 1:30 later, making it a 5-3 game after 40 minutes.
The Islanders were still outplayed in the third period, being outshot by a 16-8 margin. However, they were giving up fewer quality chances and extended the lead to 6-3, as Casey Cizikas’ forecheck took the puck off Tyler Myers, then Cizikas fed Matt Martin in front, who beat Thatcher Demko.
Obviously, the first period propelled New York to the win last night. They came out really strong and were doing a great job pressuring Vancouver’s defenders to create turnovers. They capitalized on their chances and it was great to see for a team who struggles to score. It’s also nice that the goals were coming from different parts of the forward group.
New York did let their foot off the gas in the back 40 minutes at times and Vancouver definitely could’ve pulled the game even closer with some great chances. The Islanders were outshot 28-14 in the back two periods and their quality chances were relatively limited.
That said, it’s a promising way to start the road trip and while it wasn’t necessarily a complete game from New York, it’s a big two points after a long break nonetheless. The Islanders continue their road trip tomorrow against the Edmonton Oilers.
***We've launched a HockeyBuzz Islanders Twitter account! For anyone interested, you can follow
@HB_Islanders for updates on articles, Islanders news, etc.***
Poll Maker
OTHER ARTICLES FROM FEBRUARY
Islanders beat Senators 4-1
Islanders wrap up homestand with shutout loss to Kraken
Kraken claim Austin Czarnik off waivers from Islanders 
New York Islanders Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»