The Upshot: Nelson, NY Islanders defeat the Hurricanes, 6-2

HOW IT HAPPENED

The NY Islanders came to Carolina to take on the Hurricanes and they were ready to play. Towards the end of the first period, Mathew Barzal found Oliver Wahlstrom with a beautiful pass for a goal to give the Islanders the lead, 1-0. Unfortunately, halfway through the second period, the Islanders failed to get back on defense in time and Martin Necas made them pay by tying up the score at one.

Matt Martin was able to pick up a goal late in the second to give the Islanders the one-goal lead. But, thanks to Brent Burns, this wouldn't last long. However, shortly after that at the end of the second period, Josh Bailey would be the difference maker and give the Islanders the lead, 3-2, having the game-winning goal. The Islanders never looked back as they would go on to defeat the Hurricanes and pick up a statement win, 6-2.

WHAT WENT RIGHT

At the end of the first period, the Islanders got on the board with a beautiful pass from Barzal to Wahlstrom to give the Islanders the 1-0 lead. The duo has been one that many Islanders fans have wanted to see for a while, and it is starting to pay off. The chemistry is building head coach Lane Lambert stated he's seen "a little something there." The first period was also arguably one of the best first periods the Islanders have played in a long time, especially against the Hurricanes, in Carolina.

The fourth line continued to play extremely well. The hustle, strength, and skill the fourth line displays overall, is phenomenal. Martin was able to pick up a goal as well to break the tie and give the Islanders the 2-1 lead. Bailey would also pick up a goal and give the Islanders the lead, 3-2.

At the end of the second period, the Islanders were on the worse end of a 5-3 powerplay. However, the team was able to step up and didn't allow a goal while being down two men. The Islanders penalty kill has been extremely impressive this season killing all penalties taken thus far. Brock Nelson picked up two goals back-to-back and put the game away for the Islanders, 5-2.

WHAT WENT WRONG

Although the first period was played incredibly well, it wasn't perfect. The Islanders are still working on their passing game and a few last night could have led to more goals. As for the Islanders' powerplay, they went 0/1 and they couldn't pick up a goal with the man advantage and continued to struggle in that department.

Necas scored around the halfway mark in the second period to tie the game at one for the Hurricanes. Credit Necas and Brady Skjei for setting up and executing an excellent-looking give-and-go, however, Adam Pelech failed to cover his man in the slot which led to Carolina tying the game at one.

STATS OF THE GAME

Josh Bailey played his 1,000th NHL game and to make it even more special, all 1,000 in an Islanders uniform. Bailey becomes just the third player with 1,000 games for the Islanders, with Denis Potvin (1,060) and Bryan Trottier (1,123).

The Islanders' penalty kill unit remains perfect. Now a perfect 28 for 28 on the year. Sorokin also saved 33 of 35 pucks on the net.

Alexander Romanov picked up his first point of the season tonight. It also marks Romanov's first point as a member of the Islanders. Romanov, who had 13 points last year with the Montreal Canadiens, is looking to build on that this year with his new team.

Nelson scored his first two goals of the season and is the only Islanders center to have filled the net thus far in 2022-23.

SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENT OF THE GAME

During the game when Bailey picked up the goal to break the tie and bring all the momentum back to the Islanders, his parents were seen celebrating. There was a lot to celebrate for Bailey tonight, whether it be his goal or his 1,000th game. Bailey showed up and showed out tonight and continued to look good, building off of his first goal on the season, which he picked up last game against the Rangers.

WHAT'S NEXT?

On Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 PM, the Islanders will come home to welcome the Colorado Avalanche to UBS Arena.