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The New York Islanders picked up an important road win in the second half of a back-to-back last night, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2.
Kyle Palmieri and Cal Clutterbuck were both out of the lineup with injuries, so Simon Holmstrom and Hudson Fasching suited up for the Islanders, while Semyon Varlamov got the start.
It was a pretty slow first half to the opening frame, with very little happening. However, there were a couple chances exchanged later on (including a big save from Semyon Varlamov on Nicolas Roy) and then later in the period, Anders Lee one-timed a shot from the slot past Logan Thompson, giving the Islanders a lead with only a minute remaining in the frame.
Vegas started the second frame with a power play though after a penalty from Casey Cizikas at the end of the first period, and after a save on Reilly Smith, the puck ended up bobbling around the crease and Smith managed to bury his own rebound, tying the game. However, only a few minutes later, Hudson Fasching made a great move on an individual effort to drive to the net and beat Thompson, putting the Islanders back ahead. Despite New York allowing 17 shots in the frame though (even if not many were high-danger chances), the Islanders managed to extend the lead late in the period, as Simon Holmstrom tallied his first NHL goal, making a good move to get to the net after a turnover and beating Thompson from in-close.
Vegas did get one back early in the third period, as Reilly Smith beat Varlamov through traffic for his second power play goal of the game. However, the Islanders did a good job limiting quality chances for the Golden Knights after that (giving up only a couple dangerous opportunities) and managed to add two late empty net goals from Brock Nelson and Zach Parise, securing the 5-2 win.
It’s a huge win for the Islanders, who are struggling to build momentum right now. They were able to recover after a disappointing loss against a weak team on Friday, rebounding to take down one of the top teams in the league in their own building.
While the Islanders were outshot 38-26, it wasn’t as lopsided of a game as the totals would suggest. New York didn’t give up a ton of chances (even if Varlamov did have to be good) and while they gave up two power play goals, it was a relatively strong defensive effort at even strength.
Speaking of Varlamov though, a major concern was that he exited the game in the third period, with Ilya Sorokin having to come in as a replacement. Given that Cory Schneider was just called up on an emergency basis, there’s potentially some reason for concern there. Sorokin has been off his game a bit lately and not having Varlamov to step in as a steady secondary option would mean Sorokin is going to be fully relied upon.
It was also good seeing Simon Holmstrom score his first NHL goal, after coming back into the lineup. Hudson Fasching also deserves a lot of credit as well though, and has looked good in limited action. When Fasching has suited up, he’s been a solid depth forward.
In other news, Nikita Soshnikov was placed on waivers for the purpose of contract termination. He played three games with the Islanders this season.
It’s a big two points, in a stretch of tough games where wins won’t come easy. The Islanders will continue their road trip tomorrow, when they face the Colorado Avalanche.
OTHER ARTICLES FROM DECEMBER
Islanders’ four-game winning streak snapped in rematch against Flyers
Islanders fire 49 shots on goal but fall short against Predators
Islanders score three in second period, earn shutout win over Blackhawks
Islanders’ comeback falls short in 7-4 loss to Blues
Islanders hold off Devils for 6-4 win
Islanders shut out by Hurricanes in second half of back-to-back
Islanders' struggles continue after dropping first two games of road trip 
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