Islanders Fourth Line Shines in 3-0 Win over Rangers

The New York Islanders, fresh off their win over Columbus last night, were looking for another win against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Friday. The Islanders got off to a hot start in the first with Casey Cizikas getting the Isles on the board just 2:40 into the game.

Ryan Pulock was able to get one on net and Casey Cizikas was in a good spot to get the Islanders started early. The Islanders had to kill off two penalties in the first period but the penalty kill was solid tonight.

Ironically, the only point they looked bad in the first was when they went to the power play. In the second, the Isles had two power play opportunities that were unsuccessful. Semyon Varlamov had a strong period keeping the Islanders in it with some big saves. Finally, the Islanders were able to breakthrough with a goal from Matt Martin.

It's rare that they're on the ice at the same time but that was a nice play between Mat Barzal and Matt Martin. After two periods of play, the Islanders had a two goal lead and were controlling play despite being outshot 19-12.

Early in the third, Mathew Barzal extended the Islanders lead. Oliver Wahlstrom was able to find Barzal who had a nifty play on the backhand.

The Rangers pulled the goalie early down by three but the Islanders kept sustaining pressure so Gerard Gallant had to call an audible. Instead he went conservative and Semyon Varlamov and the Islanders rode it out to a 3-0 win.

The defense and penalty kill was excellent along with Varly in net. The offense was good when it needed to be and the Islanders found their way to another win. The Isles are back in action on Sunday afternoon against New Jersey