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The New York Islanders were shut out for the first time this season against the New Jersey Devils last night, falling 4-0.
It was a decent first period for the Islanders overall. They limited the Devils’ chances at even strength, though they did give up a couple very good chances off the rush, and generated quite a few opportunities of their own. The goal the Islanders did allow came when they were on a power play, on an avoidable play where they weren’t able to control the puck and it ended up in the back of their net.
The second period was another alright frame, where the teams traded chances, for the most part. However, the Islanders allowed a power play goal late in the period, off a point shot from Dougie Hamilton that deflected in off Tomas Tatar.
The Islanders continued to generate chances in the third period but MacKenzie Blackwood was solid. Dawson Mercer would increase New Jersey’s lead to 3-0, going in alone and beating Ilya Sorokin, before Dougie Hamilton managed to get a puck through Sorokin from the point to secure a Devils’ win.
It wasn’t the Islanders best outing but the 4-0 score doesn’t necessarily reflect the game. The Islanders generated some strong chances and 42 shots overall, but Blackwood was perfect. That said, the Islanders were far from their best defensively, allowing way too many odd-man rush chances.
Ilya Sorokin faced some strong chances and made some good saves, but the third goal, and especially the fourth, didn’t look great.
The game also reinforced concerns around the team’s power play, which went 0-for-3 and allowed a shorthanded goal. At the same time, while it should be somewhat better than the 14.3 per cent at which it’s operating, I wouldn’t expect any massive improvements unless a top-tier forward is actually added, given the lack of power play success over the last few years.
At the end of the day, the Devils were able to bury their chances and the Islanders couldn’t do the same. New York will now face the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers to close out their road trip.
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OTHER ARTICLES FROM NOVEMBER
Islanders’ solid start on the road sets them up for success
Ilya Sorokin proving capable of Islanders’ starting role
Islanders trade Johnny Boychuk to Sabres
Islanders' point streak ends in Varlamov's return as road trip nears an end 
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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