The New York Islanders dropped their first game since NHL hockey resumed, losing 3-2 to the Florida Panthers yesterday in Game 3 of their qualifying round series.
The Islanders did have a pretty decent game at even strength, but Florida’s two power play goals made the difference. They outshot the Panthers 16-10 at 5-on-5 but if you give up five power play chances to a team with several forwards who can score, they’re going to capitalize.
Semyon Varlamov didn’t have too bad of a game but he did make one big mistake by taking that delay of game penalty. It led to the Panthers taking the lead and while the second goal itself wasn't a bad one, it was a very avoidable penalty that led to it.
On another note, despite a decent Game 2, Anders Lee has been mostly invisible this series. He’s been kept pointless so far, hasn’t generated much offense on his own and really needs to make more of an impact.
Some good things from the game: the second line had another strong showing. The line generated seven shots and and allowed only one shot against while they were on the ice at even strength and I've still been really impressed by Anthony Beauvillier.
This game was also a good reminder that when Jordan Eberle decides to play, he can be a really good player. Even though he didn’t get on the scoresheet, he was skating with the puck, getting into good spots in the offensive zone and was very engaged.
Something to keep in mind for Game 4 is that a dump and chase style certainly seems to be working. Several times, Islanders forwards were able to retrieve the puck and Florida’s defense had completely forgotten about one of New York’s trailing forwards, who was left alone in front of the net.
In the end, a few really bad mistakes, notably Varlamov’s penalty and the giveaway from Devon Toews that led to Florida’s third goal, were game-changers. Those mistakes and the Panthers’ power play were what sunk the Islanders in Game 3.
*Stats from NaturalStatTrick.com*
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