New York Islanders
Islanders Lose 30th Game of Season, Fall 6-3 to Penguins
After defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins back on Tuesday, the New York Islanders fell in the back end of the home-and-home series by a score of 4-2 on Thursday night.
With the win, the Pittsburgh Penguins have clinched a playoff berth. The New York Islanders are now 15-17-5 on the road this season, 34-30-9 on the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Kris Letang gave the Pittsburgh Penguins a 1-0 lead at 4:59 of the first period as his wrist shot from the point beat Ilya Sorokin blocker side for his eighth of the season. Jake Guentzel and Sidney Crosby were credited with the assists.
Dante Heinen beat Sorokin on the breakaway after coming out of the penalty box for his 16th of the season. Brian Boyle and Teddy Blueger at 8:52 of the first period to make it a 2-0 game.
Zach Parise beat Tristan Jarry glove side with the one-timer for his 14th goal of the season to make this a 2-1 game. Mathew Barzal was credited with the lone assist at 5:51 of the second period.
Jake Guentzel gave the Penguins a 3-1 lead as he finished off a 2-on-1 with Sidney Crosby for his 36th of the season. Crosby was credited with the lone assist at 12:10 of the second period.
Sidney Crosby gave the Penguins a 4-1 lead at 10:44 of the third period as he finished off a 2 on 0. Guentzel and Mike Matheson were credited with the assists.
Anders Lee scored at 10:44 of the third period to make it a 4-2 game. Brock Nelson was credited with the lone assist on Lee’s 26th of the season.
Brock McGinn scored on the empty net to make it a 5-2 game with 17:59 to go in the third. Jeff Carter and John Marino were credited with the assists on McGinn’s 12th of the season.
Zdeno Chara scored his first of the season to make it a 5-3 game with 18:52 to go in the third period. Brock Nelson was credited with the lone assist.
Jake Guentzel scored on the empty net for his 37th of the season at 19:50 of the third period.
Parise Stays Hot, Barzal Reaches 50 Points
After scoring two goals in the 5-4 shootout victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins back on Tuesday, Zach Parise stayed hot on Thursday night.
After Mathew Barzal hit the breaks in the offensive zone, he drew two Penguin defensemen to the slot with him before he found Zach Parise, who was locked and loaded.
This was an important goal for Zach Parise as he had been on the ice for the first two Penguin goals against in the first period.
Zach Parise now has 14 goals and 18 assists on the season.
Barzal earns his 50th point of the season in style – fakes out everyone and feeds Parise for the 🚨 pic.twitter.com/UnuINLoyJQ
— Isles on MSG+ (@IslesMSGN) April 15, 2022
Kieffer Bellows Back in Lineup
It had been six games since New York Islanders forward Kieffer Bellows has played an NHL game. After a few lackluster performances from Oliver Wahlstrom, Bellows was reinserted against the Pittsburgh Penguins Thursday night alongside Mathew Barzal and Kieffer Bellows.
Although Bellows did not score a goal, he was doing the little things all game long.
On the Zach Parise goal above, Bellows went to the net hard, forcing the Penguins to take a penalty. But not only that, Bellows took a defenseman out of the play, which allowed Mathew Barzal more time and space to make the play.
“I think Belly has been good tonight,” Barzal said. “He knows that he’s got to win battles down low, and he’s a shooter, so he’s looking to get pucks to the net, and I think he’s done a great job.
“And just be in the right spot tonight and holding pucks down low, and he’s done a good job all night.”
Bellows ended the night with two shots, six hits, one block, and a takeaway in 11:31 TOI.
No Power in Power Play
The New York Islanders found themselves on the power play five times in the contest but could not find the back of the net on any of their chances.
The Islanders only mustered seven shots on Penguins netminder Tristan Jarry over the five power plays.
The Islanders even had a four-minute power play in the first period after Casey Cizikas took a high-stick from Mark Friedman.
But just a minute and change later, Zach Parise took a high-sticking penalty.
Penguins Survive Second Period, Clinch Playoffs
After a dominating start to the hockey game, the Pittsburgh Penguins were dominated in period two. The Penguins were outshot 19-5 in the second period and did give up a goal to make it a 2-1 game.
However, the Penguins scored once on their five shots to regain a two-goal lead, eventually winning 6-3.
With the win, the Pittsburgh Penguins clinched a spot in the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
WHAT’S NEXT: The New York Islanders are in Montreal Friday night to face the Canadiens at 7 PM