New York Islanders Baffle Pittsburgh Penguins in 6-3 Win

The New York Islanders get their third win in a row with a perfect example of counter attacking hockey against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

No possession is no problem for the New York Islanders. With their play early in the 2018-19 season, the New York Islanders are proving that you don’t need to win the Corsi battle to win the game.

The Islanders got absolutely shelled in the shots department by the Pittsburgh Penguins but the Islanders still won the game 6-3.

So I guess you don’t need to control the puck if you want to win? Taking the opportunities that present themselves is what counts.

What’s Going On?

The Islanders took the lead at the ten minute mark of the opening frame thanks to Andrew Ladd. That Valtteri Filppula pass was delicious, was’t it?With his third goal of the season Andrew Ladd now has eight points in eight games.

Two minutes later Brock Nelson would add another as Brocktober comes to an end. The Islanders next game will be in November as the Penguins come to Brooklyn, and the hope is that Brock can continue what he’s doing.

The Penguins would level the score with two goals of their own to end the frame. With a 15-6 advantage in shots for the Penguins you figured that the momentum was on the Penguins sides.

But in the second period, the Islanders exploded for three unanswered goals. Matt Martin picked up his third of the season (he scored three in total last year) and Jordan Eberle put in two of his own.

After 40 the score was 5-2 Islanders, but the shots were 25-17 for the Penguins. The Penguins were the better team by far but were way behind in the score column

Robin Lehner didn’t start the third period. By the end of the game there was no word as to what was or could be preventing Lehner from finishing the game.

Tom Kuhnhackl would add a sixth goal for the Isles as they win their third in a row to get a full six points from a possible six on the road.

Three Stars

1. Jordan Eberle: 2 Goals

With two back-to-back goals, Jordan Eberle buried this game for the Islanders. His first was on the power play and the second would prove to be the game winner.

After a slow start that’s now four points in his last five games for Eberle.

2. Mathew Barzal: 2 Assists

Barzal gets two primary assists on both Jordan Eberle goals. That’s now 12 points in 11 games for the sophomore NHL player. So if there was anyone out there thinking a sophomore slump was possible for Barzal, think again.

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3. Brock Nelson: 1 Goal

I can’t wait for November. Brock Nelson has been fantastic so far, but he’s always good in October. Every Isles fan will look to see if he can continue that form. Nelson gets extra credit for going after Sidney Crosby.