New York Islanders: Three takeaways from Game 1 victory over the Penguins

The New York Islanders wasted no time in taking advantage of their first Game 1 at home since 1988 during their 4-3 OT win against the Penguins. The Isles now lead the series and still have home ice advantage.

It might have taken an extra five or so minutes of hockey, and everything the New York Islanders had, but they were finally able to take care of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Islanders managed to never trail in the game, but managed blow the lead on multiple occasions. This includes blowing a 3-2 lead with less than two minutes to go.

But, would’ve, could’ve, should’ve, none of that mattered. The Islanders did many things during their first playoff game but they also did the only thing that matters, win.

The Islanders came out to a fiery start in the first period and were even able to go into the intermission with the lead. During the second period they were a little off and failed to hit the back of the net. It looked great for them in the third before the Pens resilient efforts to tie it paid off late. The Isles finally took her home in OT thanks some skill moves by Mathew Barzal and a nice finish from Josh Bailey.

Barry Trotz started the game with an emphatic message to his team and the Penguins. He stared with the Matt Martin–Casey Cizikas–Cal Clutterbuck lines and it did wonders. The Penguins were outworked early and I will only attest some of that to the rowdy home crowd at the start.

Regardless, the Islanders won the hockey game and are now just 15 wins away from glory. Here are three takeaways from the incredible win.