The Upshot: NY Islanders' third period struggles continue against the Boston Bruins

HOW IT HAPPENED

The third period yips struck the NY Islanders again as they fell to the Boston Bruins 5-2. The Isles trailed after a Trent Frederic goal in the first but picked their game up in the final five minutes of the first stanza. Brock Nelson batted in a goal on the power play, nodding the game at one before the first intermission. In a slow-paced second period with only 11 total shots, the Isles found themselves down a goal heading into the final period. An Oliver Wahlstrom penalty put the Isles down a man, but a Simon Holmstrom short-handed goal tied the game once again. The momentum shift would be short-lived after David Pastrnak snuck one through Ilya Sorokin to put Boston ahead just 34 seconds later. The Bruins didn't look back from that point, as Charlie Coyle added two more goals in the third to complete the first hat trick of his career.

WHAT WENT RIGHT

Noah Dobson continued his strong play, keeping up with his point-per-game pace, adding an assist on Nelson's goal. The top line of Mat Barzal, Bo Horvat, and Oliver Wahlstrom was by far the Isles' best line of the night, as they seemed to be the only trio to put any pressure on the Bruins at even strength.

Holmstrom continues to take strides in his development, adding another goal to his season tally. His four goals through 11 games are just two off his total from last season when he finished with six in 50 games.

WHAT WENT WRONG

The penalty kill let the Isles down once again, giving up two in three opportunities. Outside of the game against the New Jersey Devils, when they allowed four, the penalty kill has been solid for the Islanders, sitting middle of the pack at 79.5% before tonight.

There was much debate surrounding Lambert's decision to bench Pierre Envall tonight after his costly turnover on Tuesday night against the Minnesota Wild. Anders Lee slid down to the second line alongside Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. The line struggled to find chemistry all night, as Lee's ice time has continued to dwindle, playing just 14:50, his second-fewest of the season. All three went -3 on the night, appearing to be missing Engvall's defensive prowess throughout the night.

The third period was the downfall of the Isles once again, allowing three goals to the Bruins. Over the last five games, the Isles have been outscored 10-3 while being outshot 63-46.

"Right now, we've got to figure a way to dig ourselves back in and dig ourselves out a little bit," Lane Lambert said. "There's too many times that these costly moments were not up to the task."

SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENT OF THE GAME

AJ Mleczko stopped by the booth tonight to throw a few chirps at Shannon Hogan and Thomas Hickey. Mleczko, residing in Massachusetts, has been doing color commentary for the NHL on ESPN.

STATS OF THE GAME

• Charlie Coyle completed the first hat trick of his career after appearing in 797 regular season games.

• Noah Dobson's 12 points put him in the top-5 among NHL defensemen this season.

• Ilya Sorokin's four goals allowed tonight was the fifth time the Veniza Trophy runner-up has allowed at least four past him this season in eight appearances.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Islanders look to get back on track Saturday when they host the Washington Capitals for Military Appreciation Night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 PM.