New York Islanders blow 2-goal third-period lead, lose wild game in OT to Preds

The New York Islanders blew a 6-4 lead in the third period to lose a wild 7-6 game against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday night at Bridgestone Arena. The game was a back-and-forth affair with both teams trading leads before the Predators scored three times in a row to grab the win.

On the plus side, the Islanders got two goals from Simon Holmstrom. The pair of tallies put Holmstrom on the 20-goal plateau. He has now eclipsed his career highs from last season, providing a bright spot for the Isles heading down the final games this season.

All told, Holmstrom had a four-point night, while JG Pageau added three assists. As for rookie Maxim Tsyplakov, he had one of his better games this season, chipping a goal and an assist.

Unfortunately for the New York Islanders, things fell apart late in the third period. The Preds pushed to find the equalizer, which they did, scoring twice in the last two minutes or so of the third period.

Steven Stamkos pulled his team to within one with a power play goal, and then Michael Bunting tied the game with 40 seconds to go. Bunting’s game-tying goal can’t be solely blamed on incompetence from the Islanders as the puck pinballed in front of the net. The puck eventually ricocheted off Alexander Romanov and got past Marcus Hogberg.

In overtime, however, the Islanders gave up the winner following a good scoring chance. It was a tough loss for the Isles who saw their playoff hopes all but evaporate with the loss.

Ilya Sorokin leaves New York Islanders loss with injury

Ilya Sorokin left Tuesday night’s loss with an injury after playing 40 minutes. Not much is known on why Patrick Roy pulled Sorokin from the game. Following the loss, Roy told the media that Sorokin “should be okay.” He added that removing Sorokin was purely out of precaution.

Roy stated that Sorokin apparently sustained an upper-body injury but did not specify what that upper-body injury was.

Marcus Hogberg replaced Sorokin in the third period and proceeded to give up three goals on nine shots. So, the question begs: Should Roy have left Sorokin in the game?

I agree with Roy’s decision to pull Sorokin as a precaution. However, it must be said that with the Islanders chasing a playoff spot, they needed the two points. But the Isles aren’t close enough to where you would ask Sorokin to grit out the rest of the game.

Ultimately, Sorokin’s overall health is much more important as the Isles look ahead to next season. While the team is still mathematically alive, reality is beginning to sink in for this year’s Islanders crew.