3 bright spots from the New York Islanders' exciting OT loss in season opener

The New York Islanders opened the 2024-25 season with an exciting OT affair. Unfortunately, the Isles dropped the game 5-4 in the extra frame at the UBS Arena on Thursday night.

While the final score was certainly disappointing, the game yielded encouraging signs moving forward. In particular, some key players stood out as the Islanders showed they’ll be a force to be reckoned with this season.

So, let’s take a look at three bright spots from a solid game by the New York Islanders against the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday night.

3 bright spots from New York Islanders' Thursday night loss to Utah Hockey Club

The Isles dominated for much of the game

The Isles got off to a strong start. They controlled much of the play early in the first period, eventually being rewarded with Anthony Duclair’s first goal as an Islander. The Isles showed a fast, focused pace, moving the puck, and generating plenty of offense.

However, the Isles took their foot off the gas, allowing the Utah Hockey Club to get back into the game. After a push by Utah, the Isles have up the lead midway through the second period.

But then, the New York Islanders came out flying in the third, hitting the back of the net twice roughly five minutes apart. That push included a beautiful shorthanded goal by JG Pageau.

The downside is that the Isles once again took the foot off the gas, allowing Utah to force OT. Of course, Utah deserves credit. They’re a talented, young team. Still, the Isles should have locked the game down after Maxim Tsyplakov’s late goal.

Duclair and Tsyplakov had impressive debuts

Newcomers Anthony Duclair and Maxim Tsyplakov impressed in their debuts. Duclair had a goal and an assist. He was fast and wreaked havoc throughout the game. Duclair scored the first goal of the season, showing an impressive mix of speed and skill.

As for Tsyplakov, he was involved the entire game. But it was his go-ahead goal with a little over two minutes to play that really wowed fans. The Isles got an odd-man rush with Kyle Palmieri and Brock Nelson playing some give-and-go. Tsyplakov got a nifty pass and buried a laser beam in the top corner.

Moving forward, Duclair and Tsyplakov should provide the Isles’ top two lines stability and support. This situation bodes well for the Isles, especially considering the lack of consistency last season.

The stars came to play

Bo Horvat, Mathew Barzal, and Noah Dobson all played solid games. Barzal flew all over the ice. Horvat had a goal on five shots. Dobson added two assists. In particular, Dobson’s point shot on the power play hit Duclair’s skate and caromed into the back of the net.

It’s worth pointing out that Dobson has been making better use of his strong shot. Plus, the traffic in front of the net worked well in helping generate the scoring opportunity.

While the depth players didn’t get on the scoresheet, they played a strong game. Simon Holmstrom looked confident. Captain Anders Lee was solid in 14-plus minutes of ice time, while the fourth line was serviceable despite averaging about 10 minutes.

In the end, the Isles played a solid game. Yes, there were several issues such as mental lapses that allowed Utah to come back. But looking at the big picture, the Isles have reason to be optimistic.