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New York Islanders Takeaways from Win Against Columbus

By Jennifer Lapka

Dec 1, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (29) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals in the third period at Verizon Center. The Islanders won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (29) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals in the third period at Verizon Center. The Islanders won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Timely scoring and the reappearance of Nelson head takeaways from the New York Islanders win against Columbus Tuesday Night.

The New York Islanders came out of the gate slow against the Blue Jackets Tuesday night. The first period was another with very little energy and it looked like they were going to be outmatched yet again. The team picked it up in the second, allowing only six shots on Thomas Greiss. They didn’t have to go to the penalty kill once and they fought off their own third-period demons. 

Nelson Shaking the Monkey

Brock Nelson continues to be an enigma for the New York Islanders. For games at a time, he can look and act the part of a deadly sniper, then disappear for just as long – if not longer. For the month of January, he’s been teetering on the edge of irrelevance when it comes to the Isles lineup.

Coming into the game against Columbus, Nelson hadn’t earned a point since New Years Eve against Winnipeg. He hadn’t scored a goal since the December 29th in Minnesota. There have been games since the 29th when Nelson has seemed invisible, barely mustering a shot on goal and just consistently looking flat.

The team got a more positive version of Nelson Tuesday night. He pushed, got his shots, and ultimately scored a pretty goal that turned out to be the game-winner. It would be good news for the Islanders if Nelson could be present and deadly for a while.

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The Continued Emergence of Chimera

Jason Chimera’s slow start is slowing becoming a distant memory. He’s been one of the most productive Isles over the last seven games, rivaling only John Tavares. His fifth goal in his last seven was a big goal for the team, providing insurance in a 4-2 win.

In addition to coming up with some goals, Chimera’s been bringing energy and speed. The latter two have been a catalyst to the increase in goal production Chimera – and the team on a whole – have been experiencing.

More on the New York Islanders: Could Vegas Take Cizikas in the Expansion Draft?

Bailey’s 100th

Josh Bailey continues to show up night in and night out. He plays with energy and heart all while making smart plays and picking up some points in the process. Firmly ensconced on the first line, he’s been quietly having a career season and one of the better offensive outputs on the team.

It wasn’t the prettiest of goals against Columbus, but Bailey’s seventh of the season put the Isles on the board after a tough first period. As Bailey is usually wont to do, he made the smart play throwing the puck to the net and was gifted with just a little puck luck with the deflection off of Seth Jones’ foot.

Next: Greiss NHL's Second Star of the Week

The goal was Bailey’s 100th goal, a well-deserved milestone in the midst of a lot of rocky NHL career. Now the Islanders sit just four points out of a playoff spot, something we thought was impossible just a month ago.

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