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Islanders Fail To Take 3-1 Series Lead, Lose To Florida Panthers

By Kenneth Teape

Apr 20, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Thomas Greiss (1) makes a save against Florida Panthers right wing Juri Hudler (24) during the first period of game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Florida Panthers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Thomas Greiss (1) makes a save against Florida Panthers right wing Juri Hudler (24) during the first period of game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Florida Panthers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Islanders missed out on a chance to take a commanding series lead, losing Game 4 at Barclays Center to the Florida Panthers.

The New York Islanders had a golden opportunity to take control of their first round series with the Florida Panthers Wednesday night. Leading the series 2-1 off a wild victory in Game 1 and defending their home ice in Game 3, the Islanders were poised to take a commanding 3-1 lead. But, the Panthers had other thoughts, and evened up the series at two games apiece with the 2-1 victory.

Related Story: Islanders vs. Panthers: 5 Bold Predictions

The Panthers were the more aggressive team at the start, as they took 10 shots in the first period compared to only five for the Islanders. They were also given a golden opportunity in the early going, as Casey Cizikas was called for a penalty for tripping the Panthers’ Brian Campbell.

The Islanders penalty was able to do their job, as the Panthers were held scoreless. The Islanders would receive a chance of their own later in the period, as Jonathan Huberdeau was called for a tripping penalty on Johnny Boychuk. Like the Panthers, the Islanders were unable to make anything of the man advantage and the teams went scoreless in the first period.

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The second period was a total 180, as both teams were once again given power play opportunities, just this time they were able to make the most of it. The Panthers took a 1-0 lead off a Teddy Purcell power play goal courtesy of a Matt Martin tripping penalty on Nick Bjugstad.

A little more than four minutes later, the Islanders would net their equalizer, also on the power play. First Aleksander Barkov was sent to the box for slashing Travis Hamonic. One minute and 21 seconds later, he was joined by Dmitry Kulikov, who tripped Kyle Opkoso.

The Islanders were unable to score with the 5-on-3 advantage, but with 16 seconds left in the period John Tavares came through with his third goal of the series to tie the game at one apiece. His goal was assisted by Ryan Pulock and Brock Nelson, as the Islanders built momentum going into the second intermission.

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Unfortunately they were unable to build on that momentum. They would commit two more penalties in the third period, none of which the Panthers were able to convert on. But, Alex Petrovic scored his first goal of the series 9:25 into the period. That would be the deciding goal, as the Islanders were unable to take advantage of another Huberdeau penalty later on in the period.

Both goalies were strong throughout the night, as Roberto Luongo made 26 saves on 27 shots. Thomas Greiss was strong in his own right, saving 27 of 29 shots.

The Islanders will look to take back the series lead in Game 5 on Friday at 8:00 PM ET. The series will return to the BB&T Center in Florida for that game, as the Islanders will have to win at least one more road game if they want to advance in the series.

Next: Islanders vs. Panthers: Five Players To Watch For

With the loss, the Islanders extended a streak that they would like to see end, as they now have 11 consecutive playoff victories that have been followed up with a loss. That is not a recipe to winning series and advancing in the postseason.

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