It took a while for the Islanders to pick up speed, but the team got the effort necessary to earn a victory over their Atlantic Division Rivals in the Devils.
Matt Moulson (7) snapped an 115:33 scoreless drought for the Islanders at the 11:28 mark of the first period. As the forward connected with a 35 foot snap shot, which was assisted by P.A. Parenteau (12) and Milan Jurcina (2). Parenteau was the main catalyst of the goal, on an aggressive forecheck of the puck that was held in the Devils zone.
After that goal the Islanders seemed more aggressive, taking more shots and putting bodies at the net. Both teams continued their physical play, as scrums and hard hits continued in game two of this home-and-home series.
Adam Larsson (2) atoned for a rough game one defensively for the Devils, by tallying their first goal of the game at the 4:20 mark of the second period. The young blueliner was set up by sniper Ilya Kovalchuk (8) and Adam Henrique (9).
Josh Bailey (2) responded at the 11:59 mark, netting a top-shelf 27 foot snap shot, which doubled-up the Islanders lead. The rivalry between these two teams intensified in the third period, as both clubs had great opportunities to score.
New Jersey opened up the final frame with a backhanded goal by young-gun Henrique (5) at the 3:59 mark, to tie the teams up for the second time in the game. A hustle play by Michael Grabner (7), along with a sweet 17 foot shorthanded shot gave the Islanders a 3-2 lead.
The goal for Grabner was a weight lifted off the forwards’ shoulders, as the young-gun had golden opportunities in the team’s Friday night 1-0 loss to the Devils’. Grabs hustled throughout the whole play, forcing a Devils turnover that led to the eventual game-winning goal.
New Jersey had a barrage of chances towards the end of the third, including one by captain Zach Parise that was overturned by officials. After review one could see the Devils star make a kicking motion, which caused the reversal of the third New Jersey goal.
For the Islanders though, this game was much needed, after the team has been grinding it out on the ice and leaving their last bit of effort on the ice in their last three games. Success for New York thus far has been found when the team is throwing bodies and pucks at the net, which is something head coach Jack Capuano has been preaching all season.
Also vital to the victory was Isles cager Al Montoya, who shined in his second straight start. The ‘Big Cubano’ earned the second-star of the night, making 24 saves in the game.
The Isles will have two days off before heading to Buffalo to take on the Sabres for a Tuesday night showdown. The game between the Isles and Sabres is scheduled to air on the MSG Plus network, with face-off slated for 7:00 p.m.
Stacy Podelski
http://www.smacksportvideos.com/
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