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

Josh Bailey, for the win.

The New York Islanders might actually be a team filled with a bunch of underdogs and unsung heroes, it is kind of their brand, but even for those of us who follow this team closely there are people we know are good.

Robin Lehner, the guy who has stepped up big all season, did so again in Game 1. He made 41 saves and left no doubt that he should be the starter for the Islanders these playoffs. We also know the Islanders have Mathew Barzal, who is immensely skilled, and too good to not be ready for the stage. He had his moment late and helped set up the game winning goal.

Yet, it was neither of them who I would dub the hero of this game. Normally stuff like this is subjective. You pick a hero and who ever for whatever reason fits a personal agenda. However, when someone scores an OT winner, that almost makes them a definitive hero.

Josh Bailey ended up drilling home the winning goal, and it was he, the same guy who hit the post and missed with just seconds left in regulation, who ended up being the hero for the Islanders. He is a seasoned vet, but not someone who many thought would have that magical moment.

Nick Leddy also scored a goal, that too is pretty remarkable considering the Islanders rarely get goals from their defensemen and when they do, it is typically Ryan Pulock.

The Islanders had a TOTAL and UTTER team win in Game 1, but in the end it was Josh Bailey’s goal we will remember as this series goes on. He was the unsung hero in a game full of them. While the names we know well did their jobs as expected (Barzal had assist on GWG), it was Bailey’s time to get his moment.

Let me remind you that Sidney Crosby didn’t have single point, this wasn’t a game for the best to get their moments, not that it matters, just a fun note.

The Islanders lead the series 1-0. That is all that matters, but really all three of these things are important to how they got to that and hopefully can get to it again.