Islanders Beat Penguins In Shootout Tied For Final Wild Card Spot

The Islanders were able to hang on and win a game they absolutely needed despite the Penguins getting multiple opportunities thanks to the referees.

The Islanders headed into Pittsburgh coming off a big time win over their crosstown rival New York Rangers. The play didn’t start off too hot for the Isles.

They spent a majority of the time in their zone and weren’t able to put together too much offense. Until the final minute of the period that is. Brock Nelson scored a goal that would go under review. After review, it was determined that Alan Quine interfered with Marc-Andre Fleury.

Take a look for yourself:

Yep, Alan Quine was clearly pushed but the referees missed that call. Mitch wrote mid game how poorly they blew that one so if you want to see the in-depth analysis of why that’s a bad call you can.

So the score entering the second period was 0-0. Cameron Guance scored his first goal of the season, of course, beating Jaroslav Halak from the point.

Although not even three minutes later Brock Nelson scored, but this time it counted.

On the same day, I said that Brock Nelson should be blasted into outer space he scores what should’ve been two goals. So if you have any requests on who I should call out next send them my way on twitter @MattOLearyNY.

Shortly thereafter Anders Lee would score his team leading 28th goal on the season to give the Islanders the lead.

At the 13:41 mark Sidney Crosby would score his impressive 42nd goal on the season to re-tie the game. Although the Isles would have the last laugh in the second period. With five seconds left in the period John Tavares set up Casey Cizikas with this unbelievable feed.

Straight up insane stuff from the captain. He put on an absolute clinic right there and showed us why he’s one of the best in the business.

Matt Cullen would have the only goal of the third period so this one needed overtime. Halak faced a ton of shots in OT but he stood his ground, so it went to the skills competition.

Anthony Beauvillier and John Tavares scored for the Isles, while Sidney Crosby scored for the Pens. It was Nick Bonino vs Jaro Halak.

Halak somehow found the puck under his pads, something that happened at least three times throughout the night. The Islanders are back at it tomorrow against Boston.

Next: Islanders Get Hosed By Refs

Both teams are currently tied so the winner will have sole possession of the final Wild Card spot. It’s safe to say it’s a must-win game.