Strong 3rd Period Sparks Islanders to 4-1 Win Over Boston

After the New York Islanders lost in Buffalo on Tuesday, they returned home tonight to host the team they are chasing. Boston came into town and started the first period strong, with 13 shots on goal to the Islanders six.

While New York wasn't generating a lot, they were keeping up with the pace, or so we thought. Ilya Sorokin, who was forced to start once again with Semyon Varlamov still in COVID protocol and he let up a softie to Taylor Hall.

Hall came up on the left side, threw it on net, and Sorokin just was not hugging the post like he should have.

You just have to have that one if you're Ilya Sorokin. Anyway, the second period did look better for the Isles thought. In the second frame, the Isles were the ones outshooting the Bruins 13-7 and JG Pageau was able to tie up the game.

It was a beautify play by Mathew Barzal and Pager was in the right spot to get the backhand on net and past Linus Ullmark.

The end of the period wasn't great for the Islanders but they were able to keep it tied up at one.

In the third, after a slow start, the New York Islanders were able to get the lead thanks to Noah Dobson. He was able to get one by Ullmark with Anthony Beauvillier providing the screen in front.

Noah Dobson had a primary assist on the first goal and then was able to score his eighth of the year on that shot. His strong season continues with 22 points (8 goals, 14 assists) in 42 games.

The Islanders were able to survive a Cal Clutterbuck penalty against Trent Frederic and then the momentum went right back to the Isles side. Kieffer Bellows got a shot on goal, followed the puck to the front of the net, and then a loose puck got to Mat Barzal who made no mistake about it.

Before the game, Barry said that it's probably time that Kieffer Bellows gets a regular role and he made his case tonight. Five shots on net, an assist and four hits will get you in the good graces of Barry Trotz.

Brock Nelson would add an empty netter for good measure to make it 4-1. The Islanders desperately needed a win, and from the second period on, they were very good tonight. They are back in action again on Sunday against Montreal.