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New York Islanders gain momentum with win against Pittsburgh Penguins

By Nick Ziegler

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Final. 1. 92. 3. 106

The New York Islanders one day after knowing they will be in the NHL playoffs, will now know that they’ll be facing the Washington Capitals in the first-round.

Their 3-1 victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins has locked them into a first-round series with the Capitals, and now the final game of the season will determine if they start on the road or at home.

In the first period, a strange turn of events led to the only goal of the period. The Penguins were on the power-play, and thought that they had a goal. But after it was called no goal on the ice, the review in Toronto would come back inconclusive and the call on the ice would stand.

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On the ensuing face-off, the Islanders would get a breakaway, and Casey Cizikas blew it past the unexpecting Marc-Andre Fleury for his ninth goal of the season. The shorthanded goal by Cizikas was assisted by Cal Clutterbuck, and Nick Leddy.

The second period was a fun back-and-forth game for 20 minutes with a lot of good skating, and opportunities for both teams. Each team was unsuccessful on one power-play try each in the period, but with under 10 seconds left in the period, the Penguins would tie the game.

It has become a concerning trending heading into the playoffs for the Islanders, as they continue to allow goals late in the period, and Friday night would be no different. With six seconds left in the second period, Rob Scuderi would score his first goal of the season to make the game even at one.

Despite allowing the late goal in the second period to the Penguins, the Islanders were able to come out in the third period and regain the lead quickly. John Tavares would score his 37th goal of the season, as he continues to make big plays for his team when they need him.

Michael Grabner would ice the game for the Islanders with a big goal late in the third period to give the Islanders a comfortable 3-1 lead. The goal was the eighth of the season for Grabner with the assist going to Josh Bailey.

Jaroslav Halak came up with a big performance after a disappointing loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. Halak would allow only one goal on 38 shots faced, as he was pressured by the Penguins’ offense throughout the night, but played very well.

Next up for the Islanders will be an emotional regular season farewell to the Nassau Coliseum against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday.

Next: Who was the best athlete in New York last year?

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