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The New York Islanders picked up their second home win in a row tonight, beating the San Jose Sharks 5-2.
The Islanders started a bit slow early in the first period, and were allowing the Sharks too much time and space on the rush at times. Then midway through the period, San Jose capitalized to open the scoring, with Nico Sturm beating Semyon Varlamov, who was making his first start of the season. New York struggled to get much going in the frame and found themselves down by a goal after 20 minutes.
New York generated some really good chances early in the second period, notably on a power play and then a breakaway chance for Cal Clutterbuck. Finally though, Anders Lee managed to get his stick on Adam Pelech’s point shot for a great deflection to tie the game. Then only five minutes later, Noah Dobson found Zach Parise in front, who directed the puck in with his skate for the Islanders to take the lead. Only a couple minutes after that though, the Islanders couldn't clear the zone and a while Varlamov stopped an initial shot, Evgeny Svechnikov was in front to direct the puck in to tie the game again. The Islanders came right back though and only two minutes later, Oliver Wahlstrom walked to the middle of the zone off a faceoff and ripped a shot past Reimer, taking the lead back for New York before the end of the period.
The Islanders managed to extend the lead about five minutes into the third period as a puck bounced out to Wahlstrom and he put a shot over Reimer for his second goal of the game. While San Jose did press a bit midway through the frame, the Islanders did a good job limiting chances and with a little over two minutes left, Cal Clutterbuck iced the game with an empty netter.
After a bit of a slow start in the opening frame, the Islanders looked great in the second period and did a good job holding the lead in the third. They outshot San Jose by a huge 46-28 margin and seeing them manage 12 goals over the last two games is a huge positive.
The penalty kill also continues to be rock solid, killing off all three penalties tonight (now at 12-for-12 this season overall).
After being scratched in the Islanders’ season opener, Oliver Wahlstrom has made an impact in each of his last two games. With two goals today, Wahlstrom has four points already this year and also registered an impressive six shots against San Jose.
The Islanders will end their four-game homestand on Thursday, as they face the New Jersey Devils.
OTHER ARTICLES FROM OCTOBER
Islanders sign Mathew Barzal to eight-year contract extension
Islanders announce opening night roster
Andy Greene announces retirement
Islanders fall short against Panthers in season opener
Islanders blow out Ducks, Lane Lambert picks up first win as NHL head coach 
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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