Brock Nelson’s return was an emotional affair, and you can tell just how much the long-time Islander meant to his teammates, the organization, and of course, the fans. That guy was part of some of the best moments of my Islanders fandom, and even though it was definitely the right move to trade him, it still stings to not see him in the blue and orange.
But the New York Islanders channeled that emotion into a strong performance, making the best team in the NHL look mortal and handing them just their second regulation loss, their first since October 25th (!!!) and their first one by multiple goals.
With Jonathan Drouin day-to-day, Max Tsyplakov moved up to play with Mat Barzal and Anders Lee, and Marc Gatcomb got into the lineup for his second game this season. That lineup change seemed to bring out the best in the fourth line, who brought the right energy early and picked up the opening and empty net goals.
Barzal put up a three point night with a goal and two assists, including the critical fifth goal that gave the Isles some breathing room as the Colorado Avalanche attempted a comeback after going down 4-0.
Matthew Schaefer drew multiple penalties, increasing his penalty differential lead, and became one of the fastest teenage defensemen (in strong company) to pick up 20 points. That kid is truly something special.
This team might be the most confusing one in the NHL, but when things click, they can hang with (and beat) anyone.
Kyle MacLean put the Islanders on the board early, finding the puck after a scramble in Mackenzie Blackwood’s crease after a Ryan Pulock blast. The Avalanche challenged the goal, but it was ruled a good one, despite the fact that Marc Gatcomb’s stick was caught in Blackwood’s pad. The Isles got a power play after the failed challenge, but couldn’t take advantage of that.
Mat Barzal got an incredible pass through to Anthony Duclair, but it was stopped by Blackwood. Then, Matthew Schaefer got a step on Martin Necas and drew a holding penalty, but the Isles couldn’t convert.
Ilya Sorokin was huge when needed, making some big saves, notably on Joel Kiviranta, to keep the score 1-0.
And then, to bookend the period, late in the first, Mat Barzal set up Anders Lee short side to double the lead.
Schaefer drew another penalty, but it was counteracted early by a terrible call on Barzal, giving us some 4 on 4 hockey. The Isles also killed off the remainder of the Avalanche’s power play.
Then, Bo Horvat made it 3-0, with Schaefer picking up an assist, giving him 20 points in 28 games.
And shortly after, Adam Pelech broke his 115 game scoreless streak and made it 4-0.
Then, the Avalanche scored two quickly, with Nichushkin and Necas making 4-2. Necas’ goal bounced off Travis Mitchell’s skate and in.
Cale Makar took a late penalty, and Barzal took advantage on the power play with a great move through traffic to make it 5-2.
Artturi Lehkonen cut the lead to 5-3 early in the third.
Anders Lee’s backhand went high, and then Schaefer took a delay of game penalty, which the Isles killed.
The Avs pulled Blackwood with about three and a half minutes left, and Scott Mayfield took a tripping penalty, setting up a 6 on 4 for Colorado.
Cizikas scored into the empty net, making it 6-3 and sealing the win for the Islanders with a standing ovation from the crowd.
Next, the Islanders head to Florida to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning, who they hosted just two nights ago at UBS Arena, and beat 2-1. It’ll also be the beginning of the annual dads and mentors trip, which should hopefully give the Isles that extra spring in their step.