Once again the Islanders had a 3-2 lead in the final minutes of the third period and lost the lead. To their defense, that last goal was lucky. Foligno turned around and put the puck on net and this time good things happen when you put the puck on net. Buffalo makes it 3-3 and end up beating the Islanders 4-3 in a shootout.
“We didn't get the result we wanted. When we have a lead we have to bear down and find a way to get the job done.”- John Tavares
The Islanders pelted Buffalo goalie Ryan Miller 44 times, so if there is a positive to take out of this, the Islanders were aggressive in getting to the oppositions net. It's keeping other players out of their own net that seems to be a problem. Go back and watch the first Buffalo goal. Nabokov appeared to have had it, but Andrew MacDonald just stops, let's his man Tyler Ennis skate in and smacks the puck in before Travis Hamonic can get to it. Even if Nabokov did have possession, why are you letting two Sabres into your goalies crease? Clear the crease.
Yes, the Islanders did show a good mix of toughness and offense so overall the Islanders did play a good game.
“Our discipline was there but we played physical tonight. They're a physical team, there's no question. Our guys stuck together. They played a pretty good hockey game tonight in all aspects. I'm proud of the effort they put in and they probably should have been rewarded for that. We'll take the point at home and move on to Thursday night.”
But in the end, it's all about getting the two points.
“I thought we played well. This league is all about points; it's not about playing well. We have to find a way to get points.” Evgeni Nabokov
The Islanders need a few good bounces to go their way, which will happen in this long season as long as they continue to battle the way they did tonight. Clearing their crease and getting the puck out of their zone will certainly improve their chances of winning. Next up, the Edmonton Oilers. Two great young and fast teams. Will be exciting to watch.
*Quotes provided by Travis Betts of NewYorkIslanders.com
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