ISLANDERS BOUNCE WILD WITH 2-1 WIN

The New York Islanders became the first metropolitan area team to pick up a win, edging the Minnesota Wild in hockey action on Monday. Two first period goals along with the play of Al Montoya led the Isles to the first victory of the year.

New York recorded their first goal, on a power play opportunity when Andrew MacDonald connected for his first score, on a beautiful slap shot, set up by Travis Hamonic and P.A. Parenteau. The Isles found the back of the net again at the 11:45 mark, on a beauty of a play.

Captain Mark Streit started the set-up of the second goal of the game, deking the Wild defense into thinking that he was going to make a shot. Instead the first Swiss-born blue liner made a pretty pass to Frans Nielson, who deflected in the puck for the 2-0 lead.

The Isles had more life in their legs in the second game of the season, and continues their physical play through two games-as hard hits were seen thus far at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Keeper Al Montoya stole the rest of the game making 20 saves in the cage for New York. Montoya only gave up one goal to Minnesota, when at the 1:13 mark Matt Cullen cut the lead to 2-1. The New York cager and the rest of the defense die the job, shutting down the Wild for the rest of the game.

New York continues this homestand, when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday.  Face-off is slated for 7:00 p.m. with the game scheduled to air on the MSG Plus 2 network.

Stacy Podelski

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