May 5, 2013; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Islanders goalie Evgeni Nabokov (20) misses the save on a shot by Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Chris Kunitz (not pictured) in overtime in game three of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Pittsburgh won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

UNIONDALE, NY–Game Three was one of best Islanders matchups played in 2013, not to mention downright thrilling. Playoff hockey returned to the Nassau Coliseum for the first time in six years with much spirited anticipation and raucousness, and although the end-result was a bitter one, Islander fans everywhere have much of which to be proud; and truth be told, this evening’s contest and crowd will surely equal this past Sunday’s atmosphere.

The New York Islanders fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins in overtime by the final score of 5-4. In what was a game marked by charged emotion, the Islanders fed off the boisterous Coliseum-faithful by scoring two early goals, only to allow four unanswered goals in relative quick succession, but then to come back and tie the score at four in the third. Brian Strait‘s ‘controversial’ overtime penalty involving Sidney Crosby led to the Chris Kunitz’ overtime-winner, giving the Penguins the 2-1 lead in the series.

Fortunately for New York fans, the Isles only lost the battle and not the war. For the second straight game, the Islanders were the better hockey team. Behind their gritty and relentless play, the Islanders made their point: we’re not a speed bump. The Islanders will give the Penguins more than a run for their money, for these Islanders will not worry until they have lost their fourth game of the series.

John Tavares, the burgeoning Kyle Okposo, and the rest of the New York Islanders squad will be looking to take this one from Sidney Crosby-led Pittsburgh Penguins. Evgeni Nabokov (.836 SV % and 4.77 GAA) will get the start tonight, and will have to play better if the Islanders want to bring this series back to Long Island.

The mantra for the Isles tonight: Match the intensity of Game Three!

Bring your Blues, I say!

If the New York Islanders play the aggressive and formidable hockey they did on Sunday afternoon, they aren’t losing many games. They won the physical battle. They consistently forced Pittsburgh to giveaway the puck (19 giveaways Game Three), even dictating 5-on-5 play, outscoring the Penguins 4-2, and outshooting the Penguins 36-25, including a 13-3 shots on goal advantage in the third period.  Despite the end result, Isles’ fans have to believe this New York team will only build off of their overtime loss.

The key to this one, though, will be staying out of the penalty box, or at least playing better on the penalty kill. The Islanders have allowed six power-play goals on thirteen chances this postseason, giving them the worst penalty kill in the 2013 playoffs. Unfortunately, the Isles may play the better overall hockey game, but power-play goals count the same. The Islanders allowed three on five chances on Sunday, giving them nothing to show for Game Three.

The Islanders are ready. Islanders’ fans are ready. Game Four is tonight, and we will be looking to bring the noise back to the Coliseum for the second time this week. An Isles’ win on home ice guarantees the series to return to the Coliseum for at least more game.

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PROJECTED LINE UP:

FORWARDS

12 Bailey – 91 Tavares – 24 Boyes

26 Moulson – 51 Nielsen – 21 Okposo

40 Grabner – 53 Cizikas – 17 Martin

41 Ullstrom – 10 Aucoin – 13 McDonald

DEFENSEMEN

3 Hamonic – 47 MacDonald

11 Visnovsky – 7 Carkner

2 Streit – 37 Strait

GOALIES

20 Nabokov

60 Poulin

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May 5, 2013; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky (11) takes the puck as defenseman Brian Strait (37) keeps Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Beau Bennett (19) on the boards during the second period in game three of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Middletown, N. J. – The New York Islanders took the ice this morning in preparation for game four of the Eastern conference quarter final series with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

It was billed as an optional skate but you would not have known that by looking onto the ice surface, as just about the entire roster was present and getting the extra work in that is needed to ensure they head back to Pittsburgh tied in the series and not facing an elimination game.

As of this writing, the Pens have ‘dived’ into their morning skate as well and there are two noticeable attendees : defenseman Brooks Orpik and right wing James Neal. Both look to be ready to be re-inserted into the lineup by head coach Dan Bylsma this evening as the East’s #1 seed finally begin to get healthy and fully stocked.

That should be of little concern to New York however, as they only need to maintain their current level of intensity and hard nosed play, sprinkled with a little extra work on the special teams to knot this series and send the loyal crowd home this evening with a well deserved bonus.

No changes have been announced by head coach Jack Capuano, so the Isles will roll with the same lineup as game three meaning Matt Carkner is once again inserted for Thomas Hickey and Evgeni Nabokov gets the start in goal.

The vibe from the #NHL #NYI #NYIslanders #Islanders #Isles is loose but focused; confident. #Penguins #Pens on ice now. Up-tempo drills.

— Denis Gorman (@DenisGorman) May 7, 2013

“@katiestrangespn: #Isles Frans Nielsen on mindset of Isles: “We know we can beat them. We want this to go as far as possible.”” #beLIeve — Mark Kabayama (@kabbage19) May 7, 2013

“For us to be playing in the playoffs isn’t good enough. We want to get a chance to hoist the Cup.” -Moulson #Isles #beLIeve — NYIslanders (@NYIslanders) May 7, 2013

#Isles D Travis Hamonic on needing improvement from PK: “Most definitely. We gave up too many goals and too many chances.”

— Katie Strang (@KatieStrangESPN) May 7, 2013

#Isles Coach Jack Capuano: “We’ve got to play almost perfect hockey to win games against this team.”

— Katie Strang (@KatieStrangESPN) May 7, 2013