Islanders One-Timers: House of Highlights, Durandeau’s Debut

Another game against the Pittsburgh Penguins and another third-period comeback for the New York Islanders. It was a gutsy 4-2 win, as the Islanders did it without Mathew Barzal, who is week-to-week with a lower-body injury. It was a full team effort earning the Islanders two pivotal points in the wild-card race, currently holding the top spot.

House of Highlights

There were some incredible Islanders highlights from the game, including IIlya Sorokin’s paddle save on Kris Letang, a likely ‘Save of the Year’ candidate.

Before that masterpiece, Alexander Romanov used his reach, a one-hander, to scoop the puck off the goal line, saving what would have extended the Penguins lead to 2-0 early in the second.

The Islanders scored a little lover a minute later to tie the score at one.

Ross Johnston provided a spark during a brawl. Although he didn’t fight Jason Zucker, he was egging him on, and his frustration and anger, along with the other handful of platers invovled, seemed to get his group going with under three to play in the second period.

Ross Johnston: “Come on!” pic.twitter.com/wnIyGVGRqG

— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) February 21, 2023

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Durandeau’s Debut

On Sunday evening, the New York Islanders recalled winger Arnaud Durandeau who had scored six goals in his last six games. During Monday’s morning skate, the 24-year-old skated alongside Casey Cizikas and Hudson Fasching and led the Islanders out for warmups.

Rookie Lap for Arnaud Durandeau 👏 pic.twitter.com/iFKlEYVRra

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 20, 2023

Durandeau was everywhere on the ice, showcasing various skills over his 14:09 minutes.

Not only did he show off his speed and forechecking ability, Durandeau was in the right place at the right times.

Whether it be filling a lane at the right time, reading the opponent’s eyes, and playing solid in his own zone, Durandeau put forth one of the better performances of the seven to make their NHL debuts this season.

Durandeau finished his night with four shots, two hits, one takeaway, and a block.

He was on the ice for Bo Horvat’s tying tally in the third as he battled with Chad Ruhwedel in front of goal to win inside position for just a second.

Penguins netminder cheated ever so slightly as Horvat tucked in it short side from a bad angle:

Fasching with the keep and the chip and Bo Horvat sneaks it in to tie it in the 3rd! #Isles pic.twitter.com/qIYJDkwSw9

— Isles on MSGSN (@IslesMSGN) February 21, 2023

It was those little plays that he did all night which paid dividends in the win.