The New York Islanders had no intentions of making game four against the Boston Bruins their last at the historic Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Down 2-1 in the series and heading back on the road for game five, it is safe to say that this game was a must-win for Barry Trotz’s boys in blue and orange.
After a scoreless first period, the Bruins found themselves up 1-0 on a David Krejci power-play goal. David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand were credited with assists. Kyle Palmieri tied the game on a delayed penalty midway through the second period, thanks to a gorgeous feed by Mathew Barzal, who put his grit and drive on full display. With the game tied headed into the third, it was Barzal who delivered again.
Batting the puck out of midair and sending it past Tuukka Rask, the Isles took their first lead of the night 13:03 into the third period. Scott Mayfield and Noah Dobson were credited with assists on Barzal’s second postseason goal. Following the Barzal goal, New York more than finished the job.
Through the final 6:18 of play, New York did not surrender a single shot on goal to the Bruins. Casey Cizikas and Jean-Gabriel Pageau each picked up empty-net goals en route to New York’s 4-1 victory.
After a flukey goal led to a game three loss, New York did their job, earning a victory in a game in which they did just about everything right. Barzal has found his game, and Trotz’s Isles are operating like a well-oiled machine. With the series up for grabs, the Isles look to jump in the driver’s seat and grab a 3-2 series lead after game five on Monday night. Puck drop is set for 6:30 PM Eastern Time.
