Islanders dominate Rangers but still end up losing in overtime (Highlights)

The New York Islanders fall 4-3 to the New York Rangers in overtime in what is likely one of the most terribly officiated games in a long time.

The New York Islanders deserved to get both points in this game. There’s no question about it. But thanks to a mental lapse in overtime with three Isles players collapsing on Artemi Panarin a wide-open Mika Zibanejad was able to riffle a shot in to get the second point.

But the real takeaway from this game is the officiating who not only whiffed on a Jacob Trouba illegal hit to the head on Michael Dal Colle but called off a goal for some sort of phantom goaltender interference.

The Islanders deserve some credit for showing resolve as they bounced back to tie the game not only once but twice (again, thank you, refs, for that).

Pageau Has an Impact

Through the first two periods, the Islandesr absolutely dominated the Rangers. They held a 31-20 shot advantage, they held 18-6 high-danger chances for advantage and had a 3.07 xGF to the Rangers 1.47 and were down 2-0.

(Stats from NaturalStatTrick)

At this point, the Islanders should trade for Alexander Georgiev simply to make sure he doesn’t play against them, ever. The kid is absolutely dynamite when he players the Islanders with a 5-2-0 record and an average 0.934SV%.

Thankfully,

Jean-Gabriel Pageau

came to play. In the second, the Isles get on the board thanks to their new guy stepping up and showing he isn’t just a depth center.

And then in the third period, Pageau steps up to defend Michael Dal Colle after Jacob Trouba explodes through him just at the blueline. Say what you will about what Trouba should have received in terms of discipline, but Pageau just showed his new teammates he’s willing to go to war for them.

Later in the third, the Islanders were down 3-1 and battling to get back into the game when a shot comes in from the point and goes through Georgiev. But the refs immediately call it off for goalie interference. And even after having a chance to see that Lee doesn’t interfere with Georgiev, the call on the ice stands. Watch the replay, how in the world is that goaltender interference?

Thankfully,

Jordan Eberle

would continue his hot streak with a power-play goal to make it 3-2.

That was Eberle’s sixth point and fourth goal in four games.

The Isles weren’t done as

Brock Nelson

tipped in a point shot from

Devon Toews

with seconds remaining in regulation to tie it up at three and send the game to overtime.

Unfortunately, 28 seconds into the extra frame Artemi Panarin would take the puck in deep and drag all three Islanders players along with him into the half wall. With all three Isles players in the corner, Zibanejad was able to lineup the perfect shot to get that extra point and force the islanders to leave with only one.

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The Islanders deserved better in this one. They deserved to win this in regulation. But thanks to some poor officiating and not being opportunistic enough, they missed the chance.