NY Islanders still in search of their first winning streak after 2-1 shootout loss

The New York Islanders are still searching for their first winning streak of the season, and Thursday night's 2-1 shootout loss to the Ottawa Senators was another missed opportunity to get something going. The Islanders (3-3-1) have alternated wins and losses through their first seven games, but they did get an encouraging performance from Semyon Varlamov, who made 18 saves and looked sharp in his return to the crease.

“First off, you know, huge game by our goaltender,” Islanders coach Pete DeBoer said. “Again, I can't say enough about his journey and what he's done to get here, and then what he did tonight, so good to see.”

Varlamov needed a little help early. Ottawa appeared to score twice in the opening period, but both goals were overturned following video reviews. The first never crossed the goal line, while the second was wiped out after DeBoer successfully challenged for offside.

Matias Maccelli made those breaks count, stealing the puck from Shane Pinto and beating Linus Ullmark with a wrist shot with just 12 seconds remaining in the first period. The goal extended Maccelli's point streak to five games, giving him two goals and four assists during that stretch.

Ridly Greig eventually tied things for Ottawa in the second period, and neither team could break through again in regulation or overtime. The Islanders had an opportunity on the power play in overtime but couldn't capitalize, continuing an early-season concern with their man advantage.

Pinto scored the lone goal in the shootout, giving Ottawa its fourth win in five games. The Islanders play next in Toronto on Saturday night to conclude thier two-game road trip.

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