New York Islanders Win Thanks to Power Play vs Rangers (Highlights)

The New York Islanders power play goes two-for-three on the power play to take two points against the New York Rangers.

New York Islanders fans might have a new found rivalry with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the one with the New York Rangers goes back all the way to day one.

The rivalry between the two is regional, its physical, and its got a long history. The Rangers still chant “Potvin sucks” and retired in 1988. That’s how big of a rivalry this is.

Regardless of the fact that the New York Islanders are nine points ahead of the Rangers in the standings, this will be a playoff like scenario. It always is. But the Isles need to keep their heads and return to winning ways.

First Period

Cody McLeod was gonna get a fight. Came out on the ice and immediately made it clear he’d like to dance. When Ross Johnston was more than willing to take him up on the offer he strategically declined. And eventually Johnston would take an unsportsmanlike penalty for chasing him around the ice.

Former New York Islanders draft pick Ryan Strome would put in the first goal of the game on that power play.

Less than a minute later Mathew Barzal got on his horse and blew past the Rangers defenseman and slid the puck through Lundqvist’s five-hole.

A few minutes later Jordan Eberle made it 2-1. On the power play none-the-less. This was Eberle’s second goal in three games since coming back from injury. You have to think he’s heating up at the right time for the Islanders.

Second Period

Kevin Shattenkirk kicked off the second period with a goal that Robin Lehner would love to get back. That made it 2-2 within 1:11 into the second period.

Less than two minutes later the Islanders go on the power play thanks to none other than Mathew Barzal. Nick Leddy slaps one from the blue line  that Anders Lee redirects past Lundqvist.

It was perhaps the Islanders best power play this season. They bandied the puck around with purpose and speed. It’s what good power plays look like.

Third Period

Just before the halfway mark of the third period the Rangers tied the game at three after Jesper Fast bats a out of falling puck out of the air.

The Islanders were absolutely terrible in the third period. They didn’t register their first shot on net until the 18:34 minute mark when Josh Bailey scored to make it 4-3.

That’s right. The Islanders didn’t record a shot against the Rangers until 18 minutes in the third and they scored on it to take the lead and then the win.

With only a shot in the third they score and win the game. Outstanding. Again, good teams find a way to win.

Three Stars

1. Mathew Barzal: 1 goal, 2 assists

He put on a show once again. His three points were his 14th in seven games against the Rangers in his career. After not scoring a point in his last two, putting up three by the halfway mark was outstanding.

2. Anders Lee: 1 goal, 1 assist

The captain now has six points in four games. He’s on pace for 64 points this season. That’s my captain.

3. Josh Bailey: 1 goal

Boy did he need that. Going into the game Bailey had a single goal since November 26th.