New York Islanders – Vancouver Canucks Game Preview, Notes

While the Islanders are coming a tough shootout loss to divisional foe Washington, things didn’t turn out as bad as they could’ve been.

Saturday afternoon saw the New York Islanders had to our Nation’s Capital to take on Metropolitan Division foe Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. 

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With under a minute to play in regulation and Jack Capuano having already pulled goalie Chad Johnson, captain John Tavares helped salvage the day by placing a perfect shot on the wide site of Braden Holtby. The rebound went straight to Ryan Strome who tallied his 13th goal of the season for the equalizer.

Although Holty shutout the Isles in the shootout, they picked up that one point on the road which was essential and put them at the 80 point mark for the season (only five other teams are there).

Today, they’ll once again turn around quickly and host the Vancouver Canucks.

• Nassau Colisem, 6 PM ET
• TV: MSG+
• Islanders, 33-19,2, 1st place in Metropolitan, 80 pts
• Canucks, 33-22-3, 2nd place in Pacific, 69 pts
• Probable Goalies: Jaroslav Halak (NYI), Ryan Miller (VAN)

For Vancouver, they have to be feeling very fortunate that they’re in the Pacific Division and the new playoff format takes three from each division. They sport the sixth most points in the West.

Feb 21, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; New York Islanders center Ryan Strome (18) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-tying goal in the final minute of the third period against the Washington Capitals at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Their in the Metropolitan area for their familiar New York City swing. On Thursday they knocked off Cam Talbot and the New York Rangers in a shootout, 5-4. Then, yesterday in New Jersey they couldn’t keep the momentum going as the Devils handled them 4-2.

They’ll be looking to Long Island to turn around this five-game swing as it represents the middle mark (Boston and Buffalo to follow).

For New York, it’s the same story on a different night. Their familiar first place hold on the division is still in tow but a constant reminder of the Rangers multiple games in hand must be in the back of their heads.

With the Blueshirts also playing tonight, hosting Columbus and trailing the Isles by four points with three games in hand, Tavares and the boys have a nice opportunity to keep the distance firm.

Notes:

• The Islanders 80 points on the season represents the first time the club has done it since 2006-07.
• The Islanders are now tied with Nashville for the most wins in the league with 79.
• Vancouver defeated the Islanders 3-2 in regulation in there only other matchup of the season on January 6th.

More from Eyes On Isles

• Islanders key to success: Load management with goalies
• Islanders Zdeno Chara trending in the right direction
• Islanders: Semyon Varlamov Deserves Benefit of the Doubt
• Islanders Ilya Sorokin becoming number one goalie
• Islanders Zach Parise Was Quiet in Return to Minnesota