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The New York Islanders battled back from a three-goal deficit to defeat the Colorado Avalanche last night, marking their third straight win.
Despite 21 shots being exchanged in the first period, there weren’t a ton of high-danger opportunities. That said, the Islanders did manage some chances and even though they couldn’t capitalize, it was a pretty strong opening frame.
In the second period though, the Avalanche opened the scoring right away, with Evan Rodrigues one-timing a shot past Semyon Varlamov. Then after the Islanders couldn't capitalize on a power play later in the frame after some stops from Alexandar Georgiev, Josh Manson blocked a shot and sent Mikko Rantanen in on a breakaway the other way, with Rantanen beating Varlamov with a nice shot. Then under a minute later, Evan Rodrigues picked up his second goal of the game, deflecting in Nathan MacKinnon’s point shot and all of a sudden, it was a 3-0 game.
Lane Lambert called a timeout after that and it seemed to have a positive result, and just a few minutes later, Noah Dobson wired a slapshot past Georgiev, pulling the Islanders to within two goals. New York had some momentum after that but couldn’t capitalize, and it remained 3-1 after 40 minutes.
The Islanders cut the lead to one only a few minutes into the third period though, with Zach Parise whacking at a puck in the crease and eventually getting it through Georgiev. Then midday through the frame, Mathew Barzal found Scott Mayfield driving to the net in front for a tap-in, tying the game. The Islanders didn’t stop there, and just 17 seconds later, Anthony Beauvillier carried the puck in on an odd-man rush and blew a shot past Geogiev, completing the comeback and giving the Islanders their first lead of the game.
The Avalanche pressed to get back into the game late but Brock Nelson added an empty netter, extending the lead. While Alex Newhook did get one back for Colorado with about 30 seconds left, the Islanders hung on for the 5-4 win.
It’s a massive win for the Islanders, coming back from being down three goals to beat the defending Stanley Cup champions.
Despite being down, they continued to put forward a great effort and in the third period specifically, they put 21 shots on goal. Whereas last year, being down three goals to anyone (let alone a team like the Avalanche) would’ve almost certainly guaranteed a loss, the Islanders are starting to prove they can actually score this year. It’s still early, but offense really hasn’t been a huge issue for the team like it normally is.
Speaking of offense, three different forwards in Mathew Barzal, Anders Lee and Brock Nelson are all scoring at a point per game pace. Others are certainly chipping in as well, while the defense being more active offensively is making a huge difference.
That’s also now three straight wins against really strong opponents – it inspires confidence and overall, the Islanders have looked like a much more dangerous team this season.
The Islanders will be back in action on Tuesday, when they face the Chicago Blackhawks.
OTHER ARTICLES FROM OCTOBER
Islanders sign Mathew Barzal to eight-year contract extension
Islanders announce opening night roster
Andy Greene announces retirement
Islanders fall short against Panthers in season opener
Islanders blow out Ducks, Lane Lambert picks up first win as NHL head coach
Islanders earn another home win, defeat Sharks 5-2
Islanders fall flat in loss to Devils
Islanders lose to Lightning in first road game of season
Islanders come up short against Panthers for third straight loss
Islanders shut out Rangers, Kieffer Bellows claimed by Flyers
Islanders get back to .500 with key road win over Hurricanes 
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