New York Islanders Frustrating 2-1 Loss to Detroit Red Wings: Highlights, 3 Stars

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TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 29: Anders Lee #27 of the New York Islanders skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 29, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Islanders defeated the Maple Leafs 4-0.(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Three Stars

1. Anders Lee: 1 Goal

The captain is getting it done down the stretch. His goal against the Red Wings was his third in three games and 26th on the season. He won’t hit 40 this year, but you can expect him to at least hit 30 goals on the year.

If he does, that would be his third season with at least 30 goals scored.

He scored the only goal for the Isles this afternoon, but he Barzal were bussing all over the ice today. The chemistry between the captain and the team’s star player is growing and I’m all for it.

2. Mathew Barzal: 8 shots on goal

How about that for a stat. Mathew Barzal had eight shots on goal today against the Red Wings.

We know that barzal can create goals for others, but he hasn’t always been the best at doing it for himself. Today against the Red Wings, he tried to rectify that.

If not for a few bad bounces or Bernier not being excellent, Barzal could have easily had two goals on the afternoon.

3. Jonathan Bernier: 41 saves

The Detroit Red Wings goal was excellent on the afternoon. He let one past him, but he shut the door on everything else. If not for his performance, the New York Islanders would have easily taken the two points.

But by stopping 41 of the 42 shots he faced his team stole two points from the Isles. Two points the Isles could use and the Red Wings didn’t’ need.