3 thoughts: New York Islanders overcome blown lead to defeat New Jersey Devils in OT

The New York Islanders fell into a predictable pattern against the New Jersey Devils on Friday night. They played a strong game, took the lead into the third period, but ultimately blew it in the final minutes.

However, Friday night’s tilt at the Prudential Center had a different outcome. The Isles pulled out an OT win on a beautiful give-on-go between Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal. The positive outcome was a welcome change to the frustration 1-0 loss the Isles suffered in their previous outing against the Detroit Red Wings.

So, let’s take a look at three thoughts from a largely positive 4-3 OT New York Islanders win over the New Jersey Devils.

3 thoughts on the New York Islanders' OT win over the New Jersey Devils

The Isles never stopped the pressure

Over the years, we’ve pointed out how the Isles have fallen back on their heels, often playing not to lose instead of playing to win. That attitude seemed different on Friday night. The Isles came out strong from the opening whistle, getting this game’s first goal over a minute into the first frame.

Brock Nelson got his third of the season 1:23 into the game on a nifty deflection on a point shot from Adam Pelech. This play underscores how the Isles tried to shoot the puck more, and most importantly, create chances where there may not have been otherwise.

The Isles capitalized on a team that doesn’t like to play defense

If there’s one characteristic that defines teams coached by Sheldon Keefe is that they don’t like to play defense.

That was the case on Friday night. The New Jersey Devils didn’t come out to win a 1-0 slogfest. They came out to play a high-flying offensive style and outscore the Islanders. That approach partially worked. However, the Isles played a solid forechecking style throughout the game. As a result, the Devils had limited opportunities, while the Isles capitalized on the chances they got.

A good example was Anders Lee’s power play goal. The Devils got caught chasing the puck, leaving Lee all alone behind the net. As Lee circled behind the Devils’ net, a rebound came out in front allowing Lee to bury the puck for the goal.

The tally made the game 2-1 and it proved that many times, scoring goals is about digging for pucks instead of making fancy plays.

The Isles overcame the blown lead

While seeing the Islanders blow third-period leads is hardly news, the fact that the Isles overcame the botched effort is a plus. The Isles made it 3-2 at 11:28 of the second period and held on to the lead until Jesper Bratt tied it at 18:31.

Previously, the Isles would have sunk, potentially dropping the game in OT. Instead, Horvat and Barzal came out, guns blazing, and ended the game a little over a minute into the OT period. While the Isles did blow the lead, they salvaged the two points.

Ultimately, wins are wins, regardless of how they happen. But it was a positive sign to see the New York Islanders pull out a win despite falling flat down the stretch. This win will hopefully give the Isles the push they need to continue building success as they face the Florida Panthers on Saturday night.