New York Islanders Few Errors Equal Loss vs. Florida Panthers (Highlights)

In the second portion of their Florida road trip, the New York Islanders have one thing to do, not make any mistakes like they did against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The New York Islanders seven game point streak came to an end against the Tampa Bay Lightning. After playing even against one of the better teams in the league a mistake in the final seconds cost them.

The lesson for the Isles going into the games versus the Panthers would be to manage the game. Play the system don’t go rogue and things should workout.

Unfortunately a few unnecessary penalties would prove to be the key to back-to-back 4-2 losses for the Islanders.

First Period

For most of the season the New York Islanders have come out flat in the first period. They changed that narrative against the Tampa Bay Lightning and continued to do so against the Florida Panthers.

Six minutes in and the Panthers would get on the board. A though start to the period, but still plenty of time to get back into it

The “kid-who-won-the-calder” would answer for the Isles. Mathew Barzal with his 99th point in 100 games put away a great breakaway effort to get the Isles on the board.

Through 20 minutes, the Islanders held a 13-6 advantage in shots but were tied at one.

Second Period

The first period was all Isles in the shot department, but the second period was a shooters gallery. Both teams combined for 27 shots in the second frame.

Eight minutes into the second period Mr. November, Brock Nelson scored his eighth goal of the season with some nifty moves . This is now Nelson’s fourth point in November and fourth point in five games.

The Islanders looked comfortable with the lead until second before the end of the period. After a terrible bounce off the boards Mike Hoffman just gets the puck on net and it gets through Lehner. Tied 2-2.

Third Period

Just four minutes into the third period Adam Pelech takes an unnecessary interference penalty, and the Islanders would pay for it. Just second later, Aleksander Barkov would use the screen to get a power play goal passed Robin Lehner.

Add an empty net goal and the New York Islanders dropped a game 4-2 for the second time in a row.

After points in seven straight games we knew that the Isles would regress. We’re seeing that now. How they bounce back will be key.

Three Stars

1. Roberto Luongo: 29 saves, 0.935SV%

Of all the stops the former New York Islanders first-round pick made, the one seconds from regulation was the one that mattered. With Lee on the door step with the puck on his back-hand, Luongo stuck out his leg to deny the Isles captain.

That save alone gave the Panthers the two points on the night.

2. Aleksander Barkov: 1 Goal (GWG)

Barkov scored the game winning goal for the Panthers on the power play. It was a good shot that Lehner probably should have had it.

3. Brock Nelson: 1 Goal

This is a sentimental Isles pick. By that I mean I’m giving Brock Nelson the third start to pump his tires. Brock now has four points in his last four games. Outstanding from Nelson.

Also, Brock’s hands on that goal. Silky smooth.