NYI/NYR Rivalry: Islanders With A Rare Third Period Comeback Against The Rangers, Update "The Stat!"
With their previous matchup ending in a shootout, and both teams heading into the night tied for 2nd in the Metro, there was zero chance this game wasn’t going to have you on the edge of your seat, chain-smoking Marlboro Reds.
Fast, intense, back and forth hockey, mixed with a 3rd period come back? Well that’s just a grand ol’ night for everyone. Would’ve loved to see Matty Marts punch some faces but as always, mom and dad had to end the party early.
Once again, Halak came up big against his counterpart in Henrik Lundqvist [now 8-0-0 in his last 8 starts against Hank, nbd], and looked to have shaken off the dust after a few rocky starts since his return from injury. Offensively, we saw players like Okposo and Grabovski show some jump early on. Grabo finding a new home alongside Tavares and Strome on the top line was an interesting move out of Head Coach Jack Capuano, but oddly enough he has shown glimpses of improvement in his two games since. I guess playing alongside one of the league’s finest in John Tavares improves your game, eh? [Despite him kindaaa sortaaa being in a funk at the moment but shhhh!]
While Leddy’s game winning goal was just his 2nd of the year, Brock Nelson’s rip was his team leading 18th of the season[14th league wide] and worthy enough for a replay or two. Cocked that shot back like a .44 Magnum.
Most importantly, we saw the young defensemen stepping up in big ways with both Boychuk and Hamonic still on IR. I mentioned how well Calvin de Haan played during the game, but how he has managed to step into first pair minutes seamlessly should not be overlooked. Going from borderline 3rd pair shifts to running shifts alongside Nick Leddy and against some of the league’s best is no easy task, and yet both he and Leddy played some of their best hockey in last night’s victory.
A final of 3-1, with the Islanders securing just the 2nd Third period comeback against the Rangers in something like 172 games.
Always a good night when you murder an 11 year old’s hopes and dreams. Maybe next time little guy.
PS – I understand it’s still way early, and talking about the playoffs right now is pretty dumb unless you’re a Caps or Hawks fan, but after last night it’s obvious New York needs deserves an Islanders/Rangers seven game series. Win or lose, a first round series between these two teams would easily put me in a coffin, but those last few days would be filled with some Grade-A hockey. Well worth it.
Take a listen to Episode 8 of Chief’s Chip and Chase podcast with myself and 610 talking Isles/Rags.