The Islanders met a moribund rival and soundly defeated the Rangers, who logged their fewest shots ever in the history of this derby rivalry. That team over there looked to be sleepwalking, outside of a few dangerous chances that the Isles maddeningly conceded. Maybe it was a bit of numbed shock in reaction to Artemi Panarin being held out of the lineup awaiting a trade, but the Islanders need to jump on this again in the rematch tonight at the World’s Most Self-Promoting Arena.
The newcomers did fine, with Ondrej Palat hilariously riding a fountain of youth (for one night at least) on his way to first star (and Iron Mask) of the game. Carson Soucy brought the Stable Veteran Presence and thew his body around a bit.
They get to do it again tonight, and maybe even watch Matt Rempe trip over himself again.
Post-game availabilities with Patrick Roy, Simon Holmstrom, Ryan Pulock and Ondrej Palat:
Just two other games last night (but 15 tonight!), including the Blue Jackets helpfully regulation-ing the Flyers, and the Senators being the latest to beat the Avalanche.