The Upshot: NY Islanders blow another third period lead, ending the road trip with a loss

It was the same old story for the NY Islanders tonight

Nov 21, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) tries to skate past New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson (8) and defenseman Alexander Romanov (28) in the second period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Nov 21, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) tries to skate past New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson (8) and defenseman Alexander Romanov (28) in the second period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

HOW IT HAPPENED

Even if you didn't watch tonight's game, you probably already know how it turned out. The NY Islanders fell to the Detroit Red Wings 2-1, blowing another third period lead. Simon Holmstrom got the Islanders out to a lead in the first period, beating Alex Lyon on a deflected shot from the point. The Islanders carried that lead to the final minutes of the third period until an equipment failure became their downfall. Dennis Cholowski's broken stick at the blue line led to a 2-on-1 for Jonatan Berggren, who beat Ilya Sorokin with a shot into the top corner. A puck that made its way from the boards onto the stick of Lucas Raymond with 51 seconds remaining eventually found its way into the back of the Islanders' goal, which was enough for a Detroit win.

WHAT WENT RIGHT

Ilya Sorokin was phenomenal between the pipes, allowing the Islanders to maintain the lead for as long as they did. The Red Wings have the league's second-best power play but the Islanders' penalty kill caused them trouble, not allowing a goal on three opportunities.

WHAT WENT WRONG

The Islanders played like it was the final game of a long road trip, as the puck seemed to be in their own zone most of the night. Unlike the first game between these two teams, Lyon didn't have to stand on his head to leave with the win, as the Islanders' chances were few and far between

STATS OF THE GAME

Tonight was the seventh time this season the Islanders allowed the game-tying or go-ahead goal with under five minutes to play in the third period according to Arthur Staple of The Athletic.

SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENT OF THE GAME

Before the puck dropped, the Red Wings honored one of the greatest players of his generation, Pavel Datsyuk. Datsyuk signed a one-day contract with the organization so he could retire as a Red Wing.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Islanders return to UBS Arena for the first time in two weeks, where they'll take on the St. Louis Blues. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

Schedule