NY Islanders tie NHL record with second consecutive third period comeback

If you thought what the New York Islanders have accomplished the last two things was improbable, you'd be right. It's also extremely rare, but no team in NHL history has done it more than them.

After coming back from down 2-0 in the third period against the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on Sunday night, the Islanders mounted an almost identical comeback against the last-place Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday at PPG Paints Arena. They scored four unanswered third-period goals to close out the unlikely win, bringing them within three points of a playoff spot.

Per NHL PR, the win marked the fourth time in team history that the Isles have earned multi-goal third-period wins in consecutive team games (also 11/7-8/2022, 11/16-19/2019, and 12/31/1985-1/2/1986), tying the NHL record set by Detroit for most all-time. Statistician Eric Hornick was quick to point out that the Red Wings have played 6,875 games to the Isles' 4,101.

It was also the first time in nearly 3,000 games (2,900, to be exact) that the Islanders scored four third-period goals in consecutive games. The last time it happened was in November of 1987 under head coach Terry Simpson, beating the Winnipeg Jets 4-3 on 11/14 and LA Kings 7-3 on 11/17.

For much of last and this season, the Islanders were on the receiving end of such comebacks, often blowing third period leads late in games and squandering precious points. However, the last two games are indicative of what's been a much better third period team as of late. While the Isles have been outscored 80-72 in the third period and overtime, they have outscored their opponents 35-23 in those periods over the last 24 games, including 8-0 over the last two games.