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The New York Islanders finally managed to pick up their first win at UBS Arena, beating the New Jersey Devils 4-2 last night.
The Islanders managed some really good chances in the first period and similar to their game against the Nashville Predators, the team looked good through most of the opening frame. However, Scott Mayfield made a brutal pass which resulted in a turnover and Jesper Bratt getting the puck on a breakaway, and Bratt was able to beat Ilya Sorokin to open the scoring.
The Islanders wasted no time responding, as Mathew Barzal teed up a shot for Noah Dobson on the power play, who beat 21-year-old Akira Schmid, who was making his NHL debut. The Devils took back their lead under a minute after that though, as Jack Hughes got a pass and beat Cal Clutterbuck down the wing, picking a corner with a nice slapshot to give the Devils back their lead. For the second game in a row, the Islanders had a strong first period overall, but went into the intermission trailing after surrendering two late goals.
Andy Greene managed to get the game even once again in the second period though, as he beat Schmid with a shot that really should’ve been stopped. Despite the Islanders taking some penalties after that, they took the lead with a shorthanded goal, as Jean-Gabriel Pageau got the puck to Zach Parise, who was able to score his first goal as an Islander.
The Islanders went into the final frame with a one-goal lead and had a really strong period. About midway through the frame, Jean-Gabriel Pageau did a great job to pressure Jack Hughes, who coughed up the puck, then Oliver Wahlstrom took it down the wing and got it to Pageau, who increased the lead to 4-2. The Islanders limited chances for the Devils after that and did a really good job preventing quality opportunities.
It was a promising game for the Islanders and the third period was a reminder of how effective they can be in limiting scoring chances, when they play their game.
It’s also great to see Zach Parise pick up his first goal with the Islanders. In my opinion, he’s been one of the forwards who’s been giving a complete effort every night and while he hasn’t managed to produce a ton offensively, he’s been an effective member of the team.
Also: Oliver Wahlstrom. He has three goals and eight points in his last five games and has managed to do it while getting very little ice time. He was on the ice for less than 10 minutes last night and you’d like to think his play should warrant a larger role from Barry Trotz.
Both Casey Cizikas and Brock Nelson returned to the lineup as well and provided a boost to the forward group. While neither player picked up a point in their return, they combined for four shots and Cizikas played a key role in helping the Islanders kill off all three of New Jersey’s power play opportunities.
The Islanders' next game comes on Tuesday against the Detroit Red Wings. It’s a really important game for the team to keep building momentum, before returning home for four games after that.
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OTHER ARTICLES FROM DECEMBER
Islanders’ losing streak reaches 11 games
Islanders finally snap losing streak with win over Senators
Islanders place Anatolii Golyshev on waivers to terminate contract
Islanders allow late goal in loss to Predators, remain winless at UBS Arena 
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