Predatory feast on the Island
It was one goal to few for the Islanders, who lost to the Predators 6-5 in a shootout
It was one goal to few for the Islanders, who lost to the Predators 6-5 in a shootout
Nashville Predators (6) vs New York Islanders (5) - SO.......
The Preds hit the ice hungry in the first against the Isles and were rewarded with two quick goals by Evander Kane. Kane registered his 15th and 16th tally of the year in the span of ninety seconds early in the period thanks in part to two helpers by Ryan Kesler, the first goal on the powerplay. Michael Del Zotto (6th) cut the Nashville lead to one at the 9:23 mark as he hammered home a slapper from the point. Artem Anisimov (19th) restored the two goal lead just sixteen seconds later as he snapped a shot over the shoulder of a screened Carey Price. That's the way the period would end with the Isles ahead 12-10 in shots.
The Islanders came out on fire in the second with new found enthusiasm as they scored quick and often. When all was said and done they had scored three times to take a 4-3 lead, as Phil Kessel would get his 42nd and 43rd goal of the year five and a half minutes apart early on. Bryan Little (15th) would close out the period as he won a face off in the defensive zone then received a pass from TJ Oshie as he flew done the wing and hammered a slapshot through the legs of Jonathan Quick. Despite being out-shot 11-8 in the period the Isles found themselves leading after 40.
Nashville was down by a goal to start the third but they were the team that came out like they wanted the win. Artem Anisimov scored his second goal on the night at 3:35 and then Dion Phanuef (23rd) while short-handed would pick up a loose puck after teammate Henrik Zetterberg was flattened in front of the Islanders net and snuck a back hander through Price to regain the lead. That was short lived as Kessel would cap off his hat-trick on the same powerplay just six seconds later, sending the game into extra time. When nothing was settled in OT it was time for the shoot-out. Ryan Kesler and Evander Kane scored for Nashville in the shoot-out and Jonathan Quick stymied Isles Phil Kessel and Niklas Backstrom's attempts.
The Preds hit the ice hungry in the first against the Isles and were rewarded with two quick goals by Evander Kane. Kane registered his 15th and 16th tally of the year in the span of ninety seconds early in the period thanks in part to two helpers by Ryan Kesler, the first goal on the powerplay. Michael Del Zotto (6th) cut the Nashville lead to one at the 9:23 mark as he hammered home a slapper from the point. Artem Anisimov (19th) restored the two goal lead just sixteen seconds later as he snapped a shot over the shoulder of a screened Carey Price. That's the way the period would end with the Isles ahead 12-10 in shots.
The Islanders came out on fire in the second with new found enthusiasm as they scored quick and often. When all was said and done they had scored three times to take a 4-3 lead, as Phil Kessel would get his 42nd and 43rd goal of the year five and a half minutes apart early on. Bryan Little (15th) would close out the period as he won a face off in the defensive zone then received a pass from TJ Oshie as he flew done the wing and hammered a slapshot through the legs of Jonathan Quick. Despite being out-shot 11-8 in the period the Isles found themselves leading after 40.
Nashville was down by a goal to start the third but they were the team that came out like they wanted the win. Artem Anisimov scored his second goal on the night at 3:35 and then Dion Phanuef (23rd) while short-handed would pick up a loose puck after teammate Henrik Zetterberg was flattened in front of the Islanders net and snuck a back hander through Price to regain the lead. That was short lived as Kessel would cap off his hat-trick on the same powerplay just six seconds later, sending the game into extra time. When nothing was settled in OT it was time for the shoot-out. Ryan Kesler and Evander Kane scored for Nashville in the shoot-out and Jonathan Quick stymied Isles Phil Kessel and Niklas Backstrom's attempts.
Quick stopped 28 shots for his 16th victory and Carey Price allowed 5 goals on 27 shots in regulation and overtime.
MOLSON 3 STARS:
1 - Ryan Kesler (Nas)....... 4 assists, +3, 1 shot
2 - Phil Kessel (NYI)......... 3 goals, +1, 5 shots
3 - Evander Kane (Nas).... 2 goals, 4 shots, 2 hits
HONORABLE MENTION:
Niklas Backstrom (NYI)..... 3 assists, +1, 1 shot
GAME'S GOAT:
There really wasn't just one in this fast paced high scoring affair but Carey Price comes the closest as he allowed 5 goals on just 27 shots for a .815 SV %.
NEXT UP:
Nashville will try to keep on their winning streak, now at six as they host the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday, the 'Hawks have but one win in their last 15 starts. Wednesday they travel to California to take on the red hot Ducks, winners of ten straight. Then it's back home on Thursday to play the Wild of Minnesota, the Wild have reeled off five straight wins, their latest a 6-2 victory over the Blackhawks.
The Islanders will play the Rangers at MSG on Monday, most recently the Rangers are coming off a 6-1 rout of the Lightning on Friday night. Then the Islanders fly west to take on the Flames in Calgary on Tuesday, the Flames have scored 10 goals in their last two games (both victories) after a mini two game slide. On Wednesday the Isles are back home to host captain Ryan Suter and the rest of the New Jersey Devils.
Reporting For The WCHL Network, this has been......
Peter Puck.
