Following a disappointing game on Monday night, the New York Islanders looked to have a better showing against league leaders, the Winnipeg Jets. Ilya Sorokin would take the net for the second night in a row.
The Jets took control of the game early, forcing Sorokin to get his head in the game quickly. Just over five minutes in, the Isles managed to create a few good chances but could not sneak anything past Vezina front-runner, Connor Hellebuyck. Behind Sorokin, Ryan Pulock took a minor penalty for hooking. The Winnipeg Jets were sitting pretty at the top of the league on the man advantage as well; but the Islanders, looking tighter on the penalty kill than in the game against the New York Rangers the night prior, only allowed three clear shots to get to Sorokin.
A solid hit by Alexander Romanov in the neutral zone allowed Anders Lee a shot on goal, which prompted a scuffle following the whistle. Lee and Adam Lowry dropped the gloves shortly after, both earning five minute majors. With life in the team, a delayed penalty allowed the Islanders to get organized. Nino Niederreiter went off for a two minute tripping minor and Kyle Palmieri was able to net the puck past Hellebuyck, giving the Islanders a one goal lead.
The second period started on a roar. With a solid defensive zone setup, a backhanded pass from Brock Nelson that distracted Hellebuyck, and a pass back across from Maxim Tsyplakov, Nelson was able to chip the puck into an empty net. After some back and forth, Lee took a high sticking penalty, sending Winnipeg back to their strong power play. A calculated offensive zone advantage, mixed with a bit of puck luck, gave the Jets their first goal of the game. Josh Morrissey cut the Isles’ lead in half. Mason Appleton was sent off for holding Scott Mayfield but the Islanders failed to convert.
Starting the final period with a lead, the Islanders were buzzing more than they have in their last few showings. Just over four minutes in, a turnover in Winnipeg’s zone from Logan Stanley gave way for Lee to pass up to Pulock, who ripped it from the blue line and beat Hellebuyck to give the Islanders their two goal lead back. J.G. Pageau was penalized for slashing 11:23 into the third. At the tail end of the power play, Nikolaj Ehlers was able to wrist the puck into the net with some nifty stick handling. Still leading, the Islanders looked strong and confident in their play. With just about 90 seconds left, Connor Hellebuyck left the net, but Winnipeg was unable to even the score.
An important and impactful win for the Islanders at home will hopefully propel them back into the playoff race.
The New York Islanders are headed on their west coast road trip and will face the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, March 8th.
