The New York Islanders took a 3-0 series lead over the Washington Capitals yesterday, with a 2-1 overtime win in Game 3.
Once again, the Islanders were the better team and deserved the win. They outshot the Capitals 34-23 and completely out-chanced them.
New York’s top line was great, operating with a corsi for percentage of 72.4 per cent (21-8), according to NaturalStatTrick.com, and I thought the third and fourth lines were solid again as well. For a second game in a row, the second line wasn’t as good as they have been since the season resumed, but the forward group as a whole was effective. Yet again, I really had no problems with any of New York’s defensemen as well.
Semyon Varlamov had a strong game and had to make a key breakaway save on Jakub Vrana in overtime (and stop the rebound). Despite Varlamov not getting tested a ton in the series, it’s saves like those that go a long way for the Islanders. I will say to be fair, this was also by far Braden Holtby’s best game of the series. He made some really difficult saves and can’t be faulted for either of New York’s goals.
One issue for New York was the power play. They went 0-for-5 in Game 4 and considering they’re tied for the most power play chances of any team in the playoffs for far, if they were able to capitalize more often, it could be a difference-maker.
I think this series has shown just how good of a team the Islanders can be when they stick to their game. They’ve stopped Washington’s high-powered offense in their tracks and have managed to find some scoring of their own.
Right now, the Islanders look like a team that could make a deep playoff run.
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Here’s today’s poll question (results and discussion will be posted in a future article):
Factoring in both the qualifying round and the first round, which line has been better for the Islanders in the playoffs?
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