New York Islanders play solid game, lose in the shootout against Calgary Flames

The New York Islanders dropped a tight, 2-1 game on Tuesday night at the Scotiabank Saddledome against the Calgary Flames.

The shootout loss was frustrating to be sure. However, it was a solid game by the Isles who were hardly outmatched by the Flames. The Islanders could have easily won the game. However, they were ineffective in the shootout.

Personally, I don’t hold shootout losses against anyone as these games tend to be quite random at times. Still, the New York Islanders played to win.

So, let’s look at key notes from the New York Islanders shootout loss on Tuesday night against the Calgary Flames

Key notes from New York Islanders shootout loss

Engvall strikes again

Pierre Engvall got the Isles’ lone goal, opening the scoring in the second period. Engvall has looked good on the third line with Casey Cizikas and Simon Holmstrom. For Engvall, the goal was his third in as many games.

Since coming back from Bridgeport, Engvall seems determined to secure a lineup spot. If that’s the case, Engvall could have partially solved the Isles’ need for depth scoring by becoming the player the organization has expected him to be.

Varlamov fantastic

Semyon Varlamov got the start, and he was fantastic. I counted at least four great saves that could have easily been goals. For instance, Varlamov made a great save on Connor Zary in the first period. Zary’s scoring chance could have opened the scoring then.

After, Varlamov robbed Mackenize Weegar on a rush chance in the second. Weegar was visibly frustrated as he slammed his stick on the boards after the play. Varlamov robbed the Flames again in the third, this time on a backhander by Mikael Backlund that could have been the game-winner. Lastly, Varlamov shut the door in overtime, stymying Matt Coronato.

Overall, goaltending has been a relative strength for the New York Islanders. It’s too bad the Isles couldn’t back up Varlamov with more scoring.

The Isles ran into Dustin Wolf

Like Varlamov, the Flames got a great performance from their netminder, Dustin Wolf. Wolf played a tremendous game, making key saves, as well.

It seems like the Isles just had some tough luck on Tuesday night. Wolf wasn’t giving anything away. And, when the Isles had a prime scoring chance, lady luck did not help. For example, Noah Dobson nearly ended the game in overtime with a bomb from in tight.

The shot clearly beat Wolf but rang off the iron and out. It was a tough break, especially considering the tremendous play the Isles put together to win the game.

Now, the New York Islanders won’t have much time to regroup. They face the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night, hopefully skating away with two points to go with Tuesday’s loser point.