New York Islanders Take Must-Win Game Over CBJ Highlights, Three Stars

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UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – MARCH 01: Thomas Greiss #1 of the New York Islanders makes a save against the Washington Capitals during their game at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum on March 01, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Three Stars

1. Thomas Greiss – 31 Saves, 0 Goals

The New York Islanders don’t win tonight’s game if not for Thomas Greiss. He stopped every single shot he faced tonight to earn his fifth shutout of the season.

His previous career high for shutouts was three back in 2016-17.

That stop Greiss made on Eric Robinson in the second period was as close the Blue Jackets got to putting the puck in the net. The defense let Robinson walk right into the crease but Greiss was huge to stop him with a beautiful desperation stop with the glove along the post.

2. Ryan Pulock – 1 Goal, 4 Shots

God, I hope that Ryan Pulock continues to hit the net like this. Too often over the course of the season, Pulock’s fired wide from a similar spot on the ice.

If he’s finally hitting the net from distance that 100+mph slapshot can finally become an effective weapon for the Islanders.

But it wasn’t just his offensive game that earned Pulock the second star. He’s playing big minutes (24:56 total, first for defensemen), and playing well defensively. He’s become one of Trotz most trusted blueliners.

3. Brock Nelson – 1 Shot, 2 Broken Ankles

He didn’t actually break any ankles, not literally, just figuratively. With some nice moves breaking into the Jackets zone he put Zach Werenski to the floor after the Blue Jackets defenseman got crossed up in what Nelson was doing.

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Highlight reel hands aside, Brock had himself another solid game. He was strong on the puck and played a full 200-foot game. Exactly what Barry Trotz will have wanted him to do before puck drop.