Yes! Islanders

The New York Islanders traveled north of the border to face the Toronto Maple Leafs, 24 hours after an impressive home victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite the lack of rest, the Islanders kept their legs churning throughout the contest, but lost 4-3 in the shootout.

After a lethargic and scoreless start to the third period, which was tied 2-2 for over 14 minutes, Ryan Strome, an Ontario-native, appeared to have the game-winning tally to put the game away as the Islanders were up 3-2. The goal gave the former first-round pick his first point in 10 games.

Due to a late penalty against the Islanders, Strome couldn’t play hero in his home province as William Nylander tied the game up on the man-advantage in the dying minutes of regulation. That goal swung momentum in favor of the Leafs, as they were able to score the lone goal in a four-round shootout and pick up the victory.

“You still have a little bit of a jump,” said forward John Tavares when asked what it’s like to play in back-to-back games to MSG Networks’ Shannon Hogan. The jump was clear from the Islanders’ captain early on as he scored halfway through the first on a breakaway to put the Islanders up 1-0.

Tavares’ first period goal was his 199th tally in his career.

Including the shootout goal, three of the four goal scorers tonight for the Leafs are in their first NHL season.

“They have skill there. They’re just young and they’re learning,” said Tavares about the Leafs’ current roster.

Jaroslav Halak is sidelined for a minimum of six weeks, according to Newsday’s Arthur Staple.

Due to this incumbent news, the Islanders will be forced to call on Thomas Greiss a lot more this season. The German netminder entered play today leading all goaltenders with a minimum of 10 games played league-wide in save percentage.

Though he wasn’t flawless, Greiss stopped 33-of-36 shots to give the Islanders a loser point to move within two points of their cross-town rivals.

The Islanders’ next game will be Saturday at 1 p.m. in Boston.

FINAL STATS:

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