New York Islanders Take a 1-0 Series Lead Over Washington
The New York Islanders played their first game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs Wednesday afternoon and after a rough start, they managed to take a 1-0 series lead over the Washington Capitals.
The New York Islanders began life in the NHL bubble with a 2-1 series win over the Florida Panthers in the qualifying round, which moved them onto the Stanley Cup Playoffs where they would take on the Washington Capitals.
After a rough start in game one following SIX penalties in the first period, and an additional three in the second period, the Islanders let up two powerplay goals to T.J. Oshie in the second period, leading to a 2-0 deficit.
However, with only 1:03 left on the clock in the second period, the Islanders finally managed to put one past Braden Holtby off the stick of Jordan Eberle. The Islanders were heavily struggling on the offensive end in the first period, putting only two shots on goal, but managed to sneak one past Holtby in the second.
The Islanders spent a total of 23 minutes in the penalty box, but in the third period, everything turned around and swung into their favor. Heading into the period with a 2-1 deficit while constantly playing a man down, it didn’t look great for New York.
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However, the Islanders managed to play a perfect period and flat out dominated the Capitals in the process. The Isles managed to score three times in the third period, adding to their lone goal from the second as they went on a 4-0 run and won the game by a final score of 4-2.
With even-strength goals from Anders Lee and Anthony Beauvillier, and a shorthanded goal from Josh Bailey, the Islanders played like they could beat anybody in the league, and they took a 1-0 series lead because of it.
With this, the Islanders take a 1-0 series lead for the second consecutive year for the first time since 2015-2016. The question is; can they maintain this lead and hopefully move onto the second round of the playoffs for the second consecutive year for the first time since 1984 and 1985?
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The Islanders are now in the driver’s seat and will have the opportunity to take a 2-0 series lead on Friday night as they’re back in action against the Capitals.