Snap Shots (LATE NIGHT EDITION): New York Islanders @ Los Angeles Kings

Dec 7, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Islanders left wing

Thomas Vanek

(26) passes the puck away from Los Angeles Kings defenseman

Alec Martinez

(27) during the first period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to Snap Shots, our condensed post-game recap of the New York Islanders latest NHL matchup

New York Islanders (8-17-5, 21pts) @ Los Angeles Kings (19-7-4 42pts)

Staples Center

10:30 pm EST

Islanders (0) – Kings (3)

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Starting Lineup

*Noticeable and much-needed healthy scratch: Peter Regin

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Period one: The opening 20:00 was characterized by a fierce Islanders’ forecheck, as all lines were doing their best to activate through the neutral zone, and deep inside enemy territory. Isles skated well, and were able to generate scoring chances inside high-percentage areas, and most importantly, getting pucks through defensive coverage and behind Kings players. Brock Nelson showed himself strong on the puck and fierce against the boards, as he centered the Isles 3rd line this evening. Clutterbuck misses a scoring chance and then is called for a penalty on Kopitar; the Isles go 1-1 on the PK. The Kings’ Justin Williams is called for High-Stick on Colin McDonald, but New York continues to have issues on this side of special teams. As the period winded down, the Islanders continued skating and looked like the faster and hungrier, but most importantly, the more focused team. They continued their man-to-man marks inside their own zone, and John Tavares and his linemates are activating well, almost converting on two separate occasions. But Andrew MacDonald goes off for Hooking late in the period, giving the Kings’ the man-advantage to start the 2nd. Although the Isles out worked their opponent, they remained scoreless throughout. SOG 7-6 Islanders. Interesting fact: 12 giveaways by the Kings to the Isles 0.

Period two: Kings show frustration early on, as they fail to capitalize on their 2nd power play opportunity of the evening. Not too long afterwards, however, Clutterbuck and Fraser tangle in front of the Isles net and both receive coincidental minors. Amid the 4-on-4, Isles’s Travis Hamonic draws an additional penalty (all due to Hamonic’s strong puck possession) and go on their own 2nd PP of the night, but both teams 0-2 with the man-advantage through 40:00. As the period wears down, an Isles turnover inside their own zone, unfortunately, allows for the Kings’ forward to punch through, and a one-on-one battle between Kopitar and Hamonic goes Los Angeles’ way. Shortly thereafter, John Tavares is called for a bad hooking penalty–resorting to a hook to keep up with Linden Vey. But Josh Bailey gets a SHG breakaway opportunity and draws a high-stick in the process; third PP for the Isles this evening goes awry. SOG 10-4 Kings. Interesting fact: 19 giveaways by the Kings to the Isles 5.

Period three: Kevin Poulin with a key save early on Dwight King proved insufficient to jump-start an Islander surge; poor defensive zone coverage after Kings’ quick chip and chase, and Dustin Brown with a deft wrap around, beating Poulin for Los Angeles’ 2nd of the night. The Islanders’s third-period misfortunes continue, as they cannot answer the two notches against them and the Kings stifling defensive strategy. In all, a strong opening ends in another loss. The empty netter by Tyler Toffoli adds insult to injury. SOG 8-5 Kings. Interesting fact: 25 giveaways by the Kings to the Isles 8 and yet no goals by New York.

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Period 1

Period 2

Period 3

Dustin Brown (6). (10:37). Assists: Jarret Stoll, Justin Williams. 0-2 LAK
Tyler Toffoli (7). Empty Net. (18:56). Assists: Mike Richards, Drew Doughty. 0-3 LAK

Period 1: Cal Clutterbuck. Tripping. (6:11); Justing Williams. High-Sticking. (12:18); Andrew MacDonald. Hooking. (19:48)
Period 2: Cal Clutterbuck & Colin Fraser. Roughing. (4:29); Jarret Stoll. Holding. (6:22); John Tavares. Hooking. (14:10); Jake Muzzin. High-Sticking. (15:12)
Period 3: Cal Clutterbuck & Dustin Brown. Roughing. (0:25); Thomas Vanek. Cross-Check. (11:28); Jarret Stoll. Tripping. (12:42)

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The New York Islanders face one of the toughest and most talented hockey teams in the form of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks this Monday–a team who hasn’t lost in regulation at home.
9th straight loss. That says it all.