Islanders Lose Second Two-Goal Lead in Frustrating Loss to Bruins
The New York Islanders' chances of picking up two points slipped away for the second consecutive game, as they fell 5-2 to the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. The Islanders were in control for most of the contest, but a series of costly mistakes and poor power play execution ultimately led to their downfall.
The Islanders dominated the first 20 minutes, taking a 2-0 lead on goals from Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri within the game's opening five minutes. However, they failed to capitalize on multiple power plays in the second period, including a four-minute stretch without generating a single shot during a Bruins man advantage.
A double-minor high-sticking penalty by Hampus Lindholm at the end of the second period put the Islanders in a difficult position, as Morgan Geekie capitalized on the ensuing five-on-four to extend the lead to 3-2. The Islanders continued to struggle with their power play in the third period, failing to score on two more opportunities.
The Bruins' momentum was further boosted by Ilya Sorokin's struggles between the pipes, who allowed four goals for the fifth time this season. Despite the netminder's valiant efforts, the Islanders' inability to close out games and kill penalties proved costly.
"It's early, but you can't let that linger," captain Anders Lee said in the aftermath of the game. "We had enough power plays to put in more than we did... Power play's gotta be better than that." Ryan Pulock echoed Lee's sentiments, stating that the team needs to clean up "little areas" where they're costing themselves games.
Coach Patrick Roy attributed the loss to his team's inability to maintain momentum and capitalize on key penalties. "I see it as a learning process... The two penalties at the start of the second gave them some life and some momentum." Despite the frustration, the Islanders remain confident in their ability to overcome such setbacks.
The New York Islanders' chances of picking up two points slipped away for the second consecutive game, as they fell 5-2 to the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. The Islanders were in control for most of the contest, but a series of costly mistakes and poor power play execution ultimately led to their downfall.
The Islanders dominated the first 20 minutes, taking a 2-0 lead on goals from Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri within the game's opening five minutes. However, they failed to capitalize on multiple power plays in the second period, including a four-minute stretch without generating a single shot during a Bruins man advantage.
A double-minor high-sticking penalty by Hampus Lindholm at the end of the second period put the Islanders in a difficult position, as Morgan Geekie capitalized on the ensuing five-on-four to extend the lead to 3-2. The Islanders continued to struggle with their power play in the third period, failing to score on two more opportunities.
The Bruins' momentum was further boosted by Ilya Sorokin's struggles between the pipes, who allowed four goals for the fifth time this season. Despite the netminder's valiant efforts, the Islanders' inability to close out games and kill penalties proved costly.
"It's early, but you can't let that linger," captain Anders Lee said in the aftermath of the game. "We had enough power plays to put in more than we did... Power play's gotta be better than that." Ryan Pulock echoed Lee's sentiments, stating that the team needs to clean up "little areas" where they're costing themselves games.
Coach Patrick Roy attributed the loss to his team's inability to maintain momentum and capitalize on key penalties. "I see it as a learning process... The two penalties at the start of the second gave them some life and some momentum." Despite the frustration, the Islanders remain confident in their ability to overcome such setbacks.