We entered a season with fortunes and moods swinging with deep polarization, but the Islanders made the most of the situation by wrapping up a once-promising road trip after six straight wins and consecutive shutout losses. are doing. .
The most recent insult was Buffalo losing 4-0 to the Sabers. The Sabers have been going through periodic mini-spurts that make people say, “This team could be good someday.”
Thursday night was a valuable time as many other teams chasing the playoff bubble were participating in games and collecting points.
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They got through the first period tied 0-0, but there were signs that it would be a rusty night if the Isles didn't come alive from the first intermission.
And as feared, they did not.
They allowed a goal on the power play early in the second goal, but four minutes later Dylan Cozens doubled the Sabres' lead, and Zach Benson's deflection made it 3-0 1:26 later. did.
Desperate and upset, the Isles tried to interfere with their goaltender, but were defeated. So before half of the second period was over, they were up 3-0 and once again faced the Sabers' power play. They killed at least that one time, but nothing else was promised during that period.
The third period felt like a formality, and even with the power play and the addition of a sixth attacker, the Isles couldn't create anything. Anders Lee tried to provide some cheer by disputing Conor Clifton's clean hit on Pierre Envall. Lee battled Clifton to a draw in extra minor (but was not the instigator due to the NHL).
The Sabers did not score in this game, but Benson potted an empty netter to little effect when Patrick Roy pulled Ilya Sorokin early.
playoff chase
Among the teams chasing the playoffs at the end of the game, the Red Wings lost to the Coyotes and the Flyers were chasing the Leafs, but the Lightning defeated the Rangers (Brayden Point had 6 points) and the Devils were led by manager Jake Allen. Big win over the Stars in New Jersey. debut. Washington was playing a late game in Seattle.
next
This is really disappointing for a loss in regulation to start nine games over the next 15 days, including three games over the next four days, including tonight. This weekend includes Saturday's terrifying matinee vs. the Senators, followed by a visit to the Gardens on Sunday.
Just as the Isles' fundamental improvement is finally starting to show in results, things could turn dire again if they don't have a productive weekend.
