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Rapid Reaction: Islanders Fail to Krak Seattle, Lose 3-0 in Eberle’s Return

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New York Islanders

ELMONT— The New York Islanders were defeated by the Seattle Kraken 3-0 in their final game before the All-Star break. The Islanders are now 16-17-6, with a 9-10-3 record at UBS Arena.

How it Happened

Jared McCann gave the Seattle Kraken a 1-0 lead with 13:56 to go in the third period. New York Islanders netminder Semyon Varlamov could not track pass from behind his net, as McCann banked shot off his shoulder and in. Jordan Eberle and Marcus Johansson were credited with the assists on McCann’s 19th of the season.

Vince Dunn made it 2-0 Seattle, after a toe-drag around Islanders captain Anders Lee in the slot, beat Varlamov glove side on the backhand. Dunn’s fifth of the season at 6:04 of the third period was assisted by Mason Appleton and Adam Larsson.

Mason Appleton made it 3-0 with 1.5 seconds to go in the third as he scored an empty-net goal for his fifth of the season. Appleton’s goal was assisted by Colin Blackwell and Jared McCaan.

Jordan Eberle Returns to Long Island

Seattle Kraken forward Jordan Eberle had a home prior to Seattle and that was Long Island. Eberle spent four seasons on the island (2017-2021), as he scored 76 goals and tallied 93 assists.

In 49 postseason games with the Islanders, Eberle scored 13 goals and registered 21 assists. Two of those goals were game-winners.

His most memorable goal came in the 2020 playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning in double overtime, as he finished off an odd-man rush to force a Game 6.

The Islanders elected to leave Eberle unprotected in the 2021 Seattle Kraken Expansion Draft as he was taken and made an alternate captain.

Eberle has 12 goals and 14 assists in 44 games this season.

Offense Did Not Carry Over

The New York Islanders scored four goals against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night but showed very little on the offensive side of the puck on Wednesday. The Islanders recorded just 18 shots on goal in the loss.

Seattle Kraken netminder Phillip Grubauer came into the contest with a -21.20 GSAA (5 on 5), the worst in the NHL this season. He left the building with his first shutout as a Seattle Kraken.

Getting shots on goal from everywhere should have been the offense’s focal point.

The Islanders only created six high-danger chances and, for the most part, made it rather easy for Grubauer.

The biggest issue was the passing as the Islanders failed to connect on glorious scoring opportunities. Mat Barzal, the Islanders strongest offensive weapon, had a rough night with the puck, with four giveaways.

Varlamov Survives First Two Periods, Can’t Sustain Play in Third

For most of the contest, Semyon Varlamov was the Islanders best player, and it was not even close. Through all the defensive zone breakdowns, he answered the call. Varlamov was the only reason the game was in striking distance.

Then came the third period.

The game’s first goal saw Varlamov fail to track a puck from behind his net. By the time McCann shot the puck into the semi-vacant net, Varlamov was still looking over the wrong shoulder. He almost made the save on accident as McCann nipped Varlamov’s shoulder.

Although the second goal against Varlamov was not entirely on him, given the breakdown in front of him, it was a savable backhand shot. Now backhand shots are the hardest to track for a netminder, but Varlamov was in the correct position.

It was the same type of goal that Varlamov allowed against the Toronto Maple Leafs back on Jan. 22 to Pierre Engvall.

The Islanders did not help Varlamov in the loss on Wednesday, and without his vital saves, would have been in a big hole early. But the goals he allowed were the type of goals he’s allowed this season, stoppable ones.

Postgame Quotes: Brock Nelson, Ryan Pulock, Josh Bailey, Anders Lee, Barry Trotz

“I mean that’s a tough game. Varly did a good job keeping us in it. Feel bad. I feel like it’s been a few times we don’t give him any support.”—Brock Nelson

“It’s great to be back. You know, it’s been a long time. And it’s tough to sit it out and not be a part of it. So happy about that… I think I was pretty on track. Obviously getting COVID kind of set me back, you know, a week or so. Then it’s just been a matter of trying to get in shape and it’s been tough with games, all the games we played and not really having much practice time.”— Ryan Pulock

“I think just felt a little disconnected out there you know we weren’t able to really generate second third opportunities to keep plays alive.”— Josh Bailey

“I mean, there’s a lot of hockey left. So clear our heads here and come back ready to work. And there’s still a lot of belief in the room. Obviously, this one stinks tonight. But, you know, you got to move forward with a positive mindset and there’s certainly still that belief in the room.”— Anders Lee

“I’m pretty sure I’ll have this taste in my mouth. I’m not sure I can’t speak for the players or anybody else but I’ll have this taste in my mouth for sure. I’m not at liberty to make that judgment. I don’t know how those guys feel. But for myself, that will ruin a holiday.”— Barry Trotz

Game Notes: 

The New York Islanders and the Seattle Kraken faced one another for the first time ever, with this being Seattle’s first season in the NHL. Seattle selected Jordan Eberle from the New York Islanders during the draft, as this was also the first time he faced his former team.

This game was supposed to be played on Saturday, Jan. 29, but was postponed and rescheduled for Wednesday due to inclement weather.

This is the last game for both teams before the 2022 NHL All-Star break.

Jiggs McDonald, who was the broadcaster during their Dynasty, was back in the booth for the first time in five years as Brendan Burke was in Chicago to work the Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild game on TNT.

Up Next: The New York Islanders will face the Canucks in Vancouver on Feb. 9 at 10:30 PM ET

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