Tuesday night had a chaotic, disheartening ending to what otherwise should’ve been an uplifting evening as the Isles took four of six points from a run through Vegas, Colorado and Dallas. (Six of eight when you include Utah, no slouches themselves, though that effort was less impressive.)
The Isles’ win over the Stars in a tough building brings their road trip to 5-1 thus far with one more to go. There were some real bright points to their play and how they responded to different situations, they were opportunistic and David Rittich again delivered as a plus backup goalie.
However, the late and avoidable injury to Alex Romanov was a major downer. (Suspension for Mikko Rantanen coming? Letting him off because he’s “not like that” and was tied up with Scott Mayfield? Knowing the NHL, it will depend on Romo’s prognosis.) The way they played shamefully with a late power play that should’ve killed the game, to the point they nearly gave up the equalizer, was a sour point. The goalie interference on Dallas’ would-be equalizer was obvious, but the Isles should’ve never been in that position to let it be so close.
But Patrick Roy showing fire, Scott Mayfield showing restraint and Rittich delivering again and getting all pumped up at the horn were memorable moments for a team completely defying expectations on this road trip.