NYHN Daily: Islanders Slow Start Cost Them Yet Again & More

The New York Islanders fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins last night as their season series has come to an end. The Islanders lost six of eight games against the Penguins. For the second game in a row, a slot start cost them. This story and more on today’s daily links!

For the second night in a row, a slow start to the game cost the New York Islanders a win. It has become a trend as of late. (NYI Hockey Now)

The Islanders did almost everything better on Monday against the Penguins than they had two nights previously. They were physical. They were active in the offensive zone. They got superb goaltending from Semyon Varlamov and limited the high-danger chances. But that all came after spotting their opponent a multi-goal lead for the third straight game as they played from behind in all four games of this road trip. (Newsday)

Islanders head coach Barry Trotz did not see enough from rookie Kieffer Bellows to keep the rookie in the Islanders’ lineup on Monday night. But the coach did like what he saw from Ross Johnston. (Newsday)

Not to sound any alarm bells or warnings, but it sure sounds like the Boston Bruins aren’t expecting to see ailing No. 1 goaltender Tuukka Rask anytime soon. (Boston Hockey Now)

Casey DeSmith said the Pittsburgh Penguins gave the New York Islanders a taste of their own medicine with a gritty, defensive-minded type game. We suspect that particular medicine tastes like unflavored Robotusin. The Penguins continued their month-long trend of dictating play to their East Division opponents with a 2-1 win over the New York Islanders at PPG Paints Arena. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

The Philadelphia Flyers were lost. A 3-0 deficit through two periods against one of the worst NHL teams in recent history had the Flyers headed to rock bottom. The Flyers’ leadership group needed to step up both on the ice and in the locker room. They did as the Flyers came back and won in overtime against the Buffalo Sabres. (Philly Hockey Now)

The Florida Panthers got the news Monday that star defenseman Aaron Ekblad will be out for the season after being hurt Sunday night in Dallas. Ekblad had surgery Monday to repair the fracture in his left leg and will out of the lineup for an estimated three months. (Florida Hockey Now)

Robin Lehner earned his entire paycheck for this game in the first period. After giving up a goal just one minute into the game, Lehner shut the door the rest of the way as the Vegas Golden Knights beat the Los Angeles Kings 4-1. (Vegas Hockey Now)

The Colorado Avalanche cruised past the Anaheim Ducks last night as they beat them 5-2. Here are the Avalanche player grades. (Colorado Hockey Now)

The San Jose Sharks came out victorious over the Minnesota Wild in a shootout. The Locked On Sharks Podcast breaks down the win. (San Jose Hockey Now)

The Buffalo Sabres allowed four unanswered goals after the second period, including one by Ivan Provorov 42 seconds into overtime, and lost an 18th straight game, 4-3 to the Philadelphia Flyers at KeyBank Center on Monday. (NHL.com)

NHL Trade Buzz: Panthers could look to add defenseman after Ekblad injury, Marleau open to leaving Sharks, & Predators may keep Ekholm, Haula, Granlund for playoff push (NHL.com)

The Montreal Canadiens returned to practice after COVID-19 pause, as they are scheduled to host Oilers on Tuesday. (NHL.com)