Rapid Reaction: Dobson Caps Comeback in OT Win Over Edmonton

ELMONT, N.Y. — The New York Islanders defeated the Edmonton Oilers by a score of 3-2 in overtime on Saturday. The win moves the Islanders to 10-12-6 on the season and 4-5-3 on UBS Arena ice this season.

How it Happened:

Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson won it for the Islanders with 1:08 remaining in overtime. Barzal peeled back in the neutral zone before he fed Dobson in stride. Dobson skated over the Edmonton blue line and through a screen beat Koskinen blocker side. Barzal and Adam Pelech picked up the assist on Dobson’s fifth of the season.

Anders Lee got the Islanders on the board first at 16:40 of the first period. While on the power play, Mat Barzal controlled the puck at the top of the right circle. At the top of the left circle, Kieffer Bellows received a quick pass from Noah Dobson. His shot made its way towards Edmonton netminder Mikko Koskinen. Lee cleaned up the rebound for his 10th of the season. Bellows picked up the primary assists, while Dobson picked up the secondary.

The Oilers did not waste any time tying the score once the second period began. Just 30 seconds in, Edmonton forward Leon Draisaitl threw a puck across the Islanders’ crease, as he looked to connect with Kailer Yamamoto. The puck hit off Islanders forward Matt Martin and in. Duncan Keith and Cody Ceci were credited with the assists on Draisaitl’s 25th of the season at 0:31 of the second period.

The Oilers gained their first lead of the night with just under three minutes to play in the second period. Following a few shots from Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman in-tight on Sorokin, the puck finds its way to Edmonton defenseman Darnell Nurse in the high slot for his second of the season. Hyman and McDavid were credited with the assists at 17:30 of the second period.

Islanders forward Anthony Beauvillier tied the contest at two under three minutes into the third period. Islanders Austin Czarnik chased down a dump-in and was able to win the puck battle. With some space, Czarnik takes the puck to the front of the net. Oilers Koskinen stopped the initial shot but the rebound came right to Beauvillier who buried the chance for his fifth of the season. Czarnik and Ross Johnston were credited with the assists at 2:23 of the third period.

Isles Bounce Back After Slow Second

After a strong start to the game on both sides of the puck, the Islanders were unable to carry momentum into the second period. They were outshot 10-5 in that period and allowed players like Draisaitl and McDavid to get chances. Hemmed in their own zone often, the Islanders were unable to establish much pressure offensively. On the chances they did get, more so just quick rushes, pucks were bobbled, nets were missed, as the offense seemed a bit out of sync. Koskinen came up with a few big saves but the Islanders did not make life particularly challenging.

After Beauvillier’s equalizer early in the third, the Islanders seemed to gain momentum. The Islanders went on an 8-0 in the shot category at one point as they put on the pressure. The sitting back we saw in the middle frame did not exist as much in the third. The passes were much crisper and the Islanders were able to control the puck.

The Islanders outshot Edmonton 16-2 from the third period on.

The defense for the Islanders, led by Scott Mayfield and Pelech were able to shut down an Edmonton team known for their offensive prowess.

Getting Under Edmonton’s Skin

The New York Islanders were able to get under the Edmonton Oilers’ skin early in the contest. On the opening shift, Cal Clutterbuck laid a big hit on Edmonton defenseman Duncan Keith.

Despite only having 18 recorded hits, each one was finished. Some hits were finished more than others.

A few Islanders made sure to play more physical when Connor McDavid and Draisaitl were out on the ice. In the first period, Mayfield hit McDavid hard against the boards. Andy Greene was able to use his physicality to keep Draisaitl to the outside. Ross Johnston made it his mission to finish every check, especially against Draisaitl.

The two had to be separated at one point.

After that slow second, the Islanders forechecked significantly harder and were able to win loose puck battles. On the flip side, the Islanders were able to tie up Edmonton sticks in front of their goal, not allowing much.

With Edmonton on a back-to-back, the Islanders saw a team that was not at full throttle. They did what they could to

The Islanders also were able to stay disciplined. Kieffer Bellows took the only penalty but Oilers Tyson Barrie took one as well on the play.

Point Streaks Extended

The New York Islanders saw three players extend their point streaks in the 3-2 win over Edmonton. Lee, who opened the scoring, pushed his point streak to five games, with three goals and two assists. It was also his second consecutive game with a goal, on the power play, on the backhand.

You already know the vibe.

Lee in front. Rebound. Power-play goal. pic.twitter.com/KRWBziGE9Q

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) January 1, 2022

On the play, Kieffer Bellows and Noah Dobson both extend their point streak to three games. Dobson has been building on his offensive game as of late, as he has joined the rush often and has let the shots go from the point. His vision has been on display and the confidence in his puck-moving ability has paid dividends on the power play.

He now has two goals and three assist over his last three games.

Bellows has had no issues getting pucks on goal, as he continues to use his skating ability and hands to create lanes for himself. He scored Thursday on an individual effort. He’s earned power-play minutes due to recent success and his ability to get shots on net helped the Islanders get on the board first.

Bellows has two goals and two assists over his last three outings.

On the Dobson game-winner, Mat Barzal picked up the primary assist. With that point, Barzal now has points in eight straight contests, with two goals and 11 assists.

With the win, the Islanders now have points in four straight (3-0-1).

Game Notes: Prior to the start of Saturday’s game the Islanders announced that head coach Barry Trotz would miss the contest due to a personal matter. His absence was not COVID-19 related. The Islanders also announced that assistant coach John Gruden and goaltender coach Piero Greco were placed in COVID-19 protocol. Forward Oliver Wahlstrom, who was activated out of COVID-19 protocol on Friday, did not play Saturday against Edmonton.

Up Next: The New York Islanders will host the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, Jan. 13 at UBS Arena.