New York Islanders Round 1 Game 3: Who’ll Be the Hero (TV, Stream, Lineups)

The New York Islanders moved to 2-0 in the seven-game series against the Penguins on Friday night. It’s the first time since 1983 that the Isles have gone up 2-0 in a playoff series. Who were the Friday night Islander heroes?

The New York Islanders take on the Pittsburgh Penguins in game three this afternoon. Who will be the Isles game three hero?

Jordan Eberle is a logical answer. In both game one and two, he’s contributed an assist and a goal. His pretty backhand goal on Friday night would prove to be the game winner. He is playing with an energy that was missing for the majority of the season and that bodes well for the Isles. Eberle gets some serious hero points for his performance so far in the playoffs.

You would be hard pressed to find a bigger hero or a bigger set of shoulders than Robin Lehner.  The man seems like he just blossoms in big-time moments.

In particular, his save off of three-time Stanley Cup Champion Matt Cullen. Beat on his glove side, Lehner reached out with his foot and denied the go-ahead goal.

Lehner loves the Islanders fan base. You can tell that he feeds off of the energy in the Coliseum.  Big hero points, as per the usual for Mr. Robin Lehner.

Anthony Beauvillier also came through, scoring the tying goal in the Second period of a game that many anticipated he would not be playing in due to “maintenance.”  Beau came streaking down the ice with Matthew Barzal on his right, hitting him with a well-placed pass in front of Matt Murray.  Murray stopped Barzal but left up a big juicy rebound which Beau tucked right in. After such a quiet season from Beauvillier, any productivity seems unexpected. Hero points to Beau.

Heeey Josh Bailey

Once again, Josh Bailey scores. Once again the Coli rings out with Heeeeey Josh Bailey. Bailey is in tune with big games and is capable of carrying the team for starts and stops. He hasn’t needed to which is great, but it’s good to see Bailey scoring in the playoffs. The two-goal lead with under 7 to go more or less put the Penguins out of it. Heeey Josh Bailey, I wanna know, will you be my hero?

The fourth line is mighty. They are on pucks. Matt Martin came so close to scoring three times in Friday night’s contest. It has become no big thing for the fourth to frustrate other teams top lines, outperforming them in the defensive end, to be sure, but also in the offensive end. Perhaps the most enticing example of this was the hit that Clutterbuck laid on Evgeni Malkin in the first period.

Coming into game three, one has to wonder how much playing on home ice has done for the Islanders. Pittsburgh’s players have been visibly frustrated. It is telling that the only goal for the Pens in Game Two came from defenseman, Erik Gudbranson.

If the Isles can continue to frustrate Pittsburgh’s top six, especially on the road, then they are in good shape. It remains to be seen if the New York Islanders will be able to keep their momentum without the loudest crowd in the NHL.

All in all, the hero of the series thus far has to be Jordan Eberle. With four points in two games, he’s been on fire. Hopefully, the change in scenery will not affect his production.

Islanders and Penguins Possible Lineups

New York Islanders 

There’s no reason to think that Barry Trotz will make any changes to his lineup. Up 2-0 and holding a +3 goal differential across both legs, the Islanders are playing the game they want to play in the postseason.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins desperately want to get Sidney Crosby going. He’s typically dynamite against the New York Islanders but has so far been held pointless in the series.

Where to Tune In to See the Game

TV: MSG+, MSG Go, NBCSN, CBC (Canada), TVA2(Canada), NHL.TV
Radio: 88.7FM ,103.9FM
Stream: ESPN+