The Upshot: NY Islanders blow multi-goal lead in 3rd period to Caps

HOW IT HAPPENED

Not only did the NY Islanders blow a one-goal lead in the third period, they blew a two-goal lead to the division rival Washington Capitals, falling 5-4 in OT. The Isles got on the scoreboard first off a Simon Holmstrom goal, trading goals with the Caps until the game was knotted at two. A John Carlson goal to give the Caps the lead was overturned after a Patrick Roy challenge, seeing the Isles take the momentum to score two goals of their own and head into the final period with a two-goal advantage. A hooking penalty on Anders Lee five seconds into the third resulted in a Caps goal. Tom Wilson recorded his second goal of the day six minutes later, and Jacob Chychrun beat Semyon Varlamov for the game-winner 1:20 into the extra frame.

WHAT WENT RIGHT

The Isles had active sticks in the offensive zone, with Holmstrom and Lee scoring on beautifully deflected goals. Holmstrom was the most noticeable player on the ice most of the night, recording his first career multi-point goal and ending the day with a game-high six shots on goal.

WHAT WENT WRONG

Things were off to a bad start before the opening puck drop, as JG Pageau was a late scratch with a lower-body injury. Things got worse in the third period, as it would be more of a shock for the Isles to claim victory with a third-period lead rather than blow it away once again.

STATS OF THE GAME

Holmstrom had the first muli-goal game of his career, and Anders Lee continued his impressive season with a goal and two assists. Bo Horvat, who's struggled to produce without his regular linemates, recorded two assists and was a +4 on the day.

SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENT OF THE GAME

While the Islanders continue to blow third period leads, the fans are starting to hedge their emotional losses with a little financial gain.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Isles are back at it again tomorrow night, hosting the Buffalo Sabres. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 pm.