The New York Islanders faced off with the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night in the second half of their home-and-home series.
After a tough overtime loss on Friday night, things didn’t get off to a great start for the Islanders. In the first period, New York allowed the Blackhawks to strike first with a goal byTrevor van Riemsdykon a rebound in front of the net.
It wasn’t a terrible period by the Islanders as they were virtually even in chances with the Blackhawks, but they headed into the second period trailing.
More from New York Islanders
- New York Islanders Force Game Six in Double OT
- New York Islanders Make History, Advance to Conference Finals
- New York Islanders Move within One Game of Eastern Conference Finals
- New York Islanders Take 2-1 Series Lead on Philadelphia
- New York Islanders Beat Capitals and are Moving On
The Blackhawks were able to extend their lead in the second period, as a costly turnover behind the net toPatrick Kaneset upArtemi Panarinfor an easy shot from the slot which made it a 2-0 game. After having a two-point game on Friday night, Kane was able to total two assists in the first to periods which help the Blackhawks set the tone.
Kane wouldn’t be done being a thorn in the Islanders’ side in the second period, as he was able to score on a deflection for his third goal of the season.
The Islanders would take a ton of penalties in the third period and eventually the Blackhawks were able to extend their lead. On a 5-on-3 power play, the Blackhawks were able to make it 4-0 with a goal byBrent Seabrook.
One of the players who was part of the Islanders being short-handed was captainJohn Tavareswho lost his cool and was serving a 10-minute game misconduct to end the game.
This was simply not a good game from the start for the Islanders, as nothing about them looked good throughout the game. Head coachJack Capuanoswitched up the lines already in the second game of the season, but nothing sparked their offense.
It was a tough debut for Jean-Francois Berube with the Islanders, as he didn’t stand much of a chance against the Blackhawks with all the power plays that the Blackhawks were on.
Blackhawks’ goalieScott Darlingplayed very well with 28 saves on 29 chances in the win, as despite a good amount of shots there was rarely a feeling like the Islanders were that close to scoring before they finally got one in junk time.Cal Clutterbuckwas the man to break the shutout for the Islanders will a goal with about a minute to play.
Facing the Blackhawks was a good early indicator of where the Islanders stand against the elite teams in the NHL, and after these two games, there is a lot of work to be done for the Islanders.
Next up for the Islanders will be a day off before they host the Winnipeg Jets on Monday afternoon.
Next: Who was the best player on the Islanders last season?
More fromEmpire Writes Back
- Caesars New York Promo Code: Win $250 Bonus GUARANTEED on ANY Bet!
- Last Chance Caesars Promo: Claim $1,250 Bonus for ANY MLB Bet!
- Caesars New York Promo Code Gives TWO Chances to Win Betting on Your Yankees!
- PointsBet New York Promo: FIVE $100 Bonus Bets to Back the Yankees or Mets!
- Caesars NY Promo: $1,250 Bonus to Celebrate the Return of Judge!
Add us as a preferred source onGoogleLoading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations