New York Islanders Win Game Two 3-1 Over Pittsburgh Penguins: Three Takeaways

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UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – APRIL 12: Kris Letang #58 of the Pittsburgh Penguins returns to the bench as the New York Islanders celebrate a third period goal by Josh Bailey #12 of the New York Islanders in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum on April 12, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders defeated the Penguins 3-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Power Play Back Is Still OK

After Brock Nelson scored a power-play goal in game one, there was hope that Barry Trotz and his staff had finally figured out what needs to be done to be successful on the man advantage.

With Nelson playing the low slot it gave the Islanders a different look on the power play. Again, one that converted to give the Isles a 50 percent efficiency in game one.

After going 14.5 percent during the 82 game regular season it’s easy to see why fans might have been a little excited. We’ve been craving a competent power play all year and maybe, just maybe, we were getting one.

Unfortunately, through two periods, the Islanders had five power play opportunities, including a 5on3. They didn’t score on a single one of them. Fans booed (lightly) the power play after the fifth one expired.

But then, in the third period, now on their sixth power play opportunity, Mr. Clutch Josh Bailey buried an absolutely beautiful goal to put the Islanders up 3-1 and in total control of the game.

More importantly, this was the Islanders second power-play goal in two games. Something they did rarely in the regular season.

Over the first two games of this series, the New York Islanders are 2-for-8 on the power play or at a 25 percent efficiency. Remember, they were 14.5 percent efficient in the regular season.

Islanders fans might have been worried after seeing the team go 1-for-5 through two periods, and rightfully so. But it seems like the Isles power play might just be alright.

I can’t be any happier. With a seemingly competent power play, the New York Islanders have a good chance of taking the first round.