Eyes On Isles
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The Upshot: The NY Islanders hold off Ottawa for their second straight win

Bo Horvat had a goal and two assists in the 4-2 Islanders road victory
New York Islanders v Ottawa Senators
New York Islanders v Ottawa Senators | Troy Parla/GettyImages

HOW IT HAPPENED

Anders Lee and JG Pageau scored second-period goals as the New York Islanders defeated the Ottawa Senators 4-2 on Thursday Night. Bo Horvat scored an empty-netter and added two assists and Semyon Varlamov made 28 saves for the Isles (6-6-2), who have won two straight. Nic Jensen and Drake Baretheson had third-period goals for the Sens (6-7-0). Anton Forsberg finished with 21 saves in the loss for Ottawa, who had won five of their first six home games.

WHAT WENT RIGHT

The fourth line scored a consequential goal. Oliver Wahlstrom scored his first goal of the season with a backhand 2:41 into the third period to extend the Islanders' lead to 3-0. Patrick Roy has been asking for more energy and impact from his fourth line, and this night, they scored the game-winning goal. "We were all telling each other and hugging each other, 'We did it,' said Wahltrom. "A couple bounces didn't go our way the first couple of games. You've just got to stick with it."

WHAT WENT WRONG

Leading 3-1 in the third period, Maxim Tsyplakov took an ill-advised boarding penalty when he hit Claude Giroux hard from behind, leading to the Sens veteran going into concussion protocol. Drake Batherson scored on the power-play making it a one-goal game and creating some anxious moments as Ottawa skated 6-on-5 in the final minutes attempting to tie the game.

STATS OF THE GAME

Per Islanders radio analysts Greg Picker, In just his second NHL game, Isaiah George played 23:49 TOI in the 4-2 win. That is the most for an Islanders rookie since Ryan Pulock played 26:51 against the Detroit Red Wings in April 2018.

SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENT OF THE GAME

Isaiah George had his family in attendance to watch him play (as were the fans around them gobbling down hot dogs), and they got to see him play A LOT. In his second NHL game, the 20-year-old logged 23:59 TOI versus the Senators. "He skates well, and he moves [the puck] really well on the ice, said head coach Patrick Roy. "I thought for a guy -- it's only his second game -- he was getting more and more confident out there. I was very pleased with the way he played. "

WHAT'S NEXT

The Islanders are back home at UBS Arena on Saturday night to host the New Jersey Devils. Face-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST.

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