The Upshot: New year same old NY Islanders

HOW IT HAPPENED

The NY Islanders got on the board first thanks to a Pierre Envall goal, as he blew past the defense, tucking it five-hole after being a healthy scratch last game. The Colorado Avalanche knotted things up 32 seconds on a goal from for Islander Devon Toews. Brock Nelson and Simon Holmstrom scored the next two, giving the Isles the dreaded two-goal advantage, which they ultimately surrendered once again. The Isles managed to send the game to OT on a night in which they were outplayed for most of the night, but timely goals kept them afloat. A Penalty from Scott Mayfield near the end of regulation sent the Avs to the man advantage in the extra frame, where Nathan MacKinnon hammered home a one-timer, giving Colorado the 5-4 victory.

WHAT WENT RIGHT

The Isles went blow for blow on the road with one of the league's top offensive teams. Ilya Sorokin came up with timely saves, stoning Liam O'Connor on a shorthanded breakaway, and later against Valeri Nichushkin, who made an incredible power move, barrelling through the Islander's defense with seconds remaining in the game.

WHAT WENT WRONG

The injury bug bit the Islanders once again, as Semyon Varlamov and Robert Bortuzzo left the game early. Varlamov, who only recently returned after suffering an injury in relief of Sorokin last week, left the game in the first period with an undisclosed injury. Bortuzzo crashed into the boards after getting tangled up with Samuel Girard, as his ankle appeared to turn, struggling to get to his feet. He had to be helped off the ice and didn't return.

Untimely and questionable penalties against Mike Reilly led to the game-tying goal, and the one at the end of regulation on Mayfield ultimately ended it.

"I thought Mike Reilly's call was terrible," said Lane Lambert postgame regarding the interference call on the Islanders defenseman. "And you know, what more can you say - they called them, and that's the way it goes."

STATS OF THE GAME

• Brock Nelson's powerplay goal in the first period was the Isles' first on the man advantage in five games.

• Nathan MacKinnon has now recorded a point in 20 straight home games

• Alexander Romanov's third goal of the season is a new career high

• Mat Barzal's assist Romanov's goal gives him 399 for his career

• The Isles blocked 31 shots while allowing 91 shot attempts

SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENT OF THE GAME

An Avs fan along the boards shows her displeasure in Simon Holmstrom, who minutes later sniped home a gorgeous goal over the shoulder of Alexandar Georgiev.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Isles head to the desert to take on the Arizona Coyotes at Mullet Arena on the grounds of Arizona State University. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 pm EST.