Perhaps the biggest game of the highly anticipated eight-game 2021 rivalry between the New York Islanders and New York Rangers took place on Tuesday at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Boy, Barry Trotz’s Isles didn’t disappoint.
The first period was a back and forth one. Each team saw some power-play time, and scoring was opened up 17:42 in when Josh Bailey picked up his seventh goal of the season. Jean-Gabriel Pageau (14) and Anthony Beauvillier (8) were credited with assists.
The Long Island crew came out swinging in the middle frame, picking up two quick goals. 1:38 in, Brock Nelson tallied his sixteenth goal of the year. Nick Leddy (25) and Kyle Palmieri (10) were awarded assists. At 5:45, Beauvillier continued his already said night, netting his ninth goal of the year. Noah Dobson (10) and Jordan Eberle (16) had the assists.
Kevin Rooney tipped a Brendan Smith shot past Islanders netminder Semyon Varlamov for the Blueshirts’ lone goal, which came 11:04 into period two.
Trotz’s squad threw out the knockout punch in the third period, tallying three goals. Pageau netted his thirteenth goal at 7:44 in, with Beauvillier and Bailey getting assists. Bailey scored another goal 10:16 in, with Beauvillier picking up the primary assist, his fort point of the night. Andy Greene was also credited with an assist. The Islanders continued throwing the Rangers around like rag dolls, making them look like the Junior Varsity squad, scoring their sixth goal of the night 11:22 into the third period. Jordan Eberle picked up his fifteenth goal of the season on a gorgeous move and backhand finish. Travis Zajac (12) picked up the lone assist.
In terms of a complete effort, this was by far the Isles’ best game this season. Nobody took a shift off, and the contributors extend far beyond the names on the scoresheet. For example, Michael Dal Colle played some of the finest two-way hockey we have seen him play in his young career. As we advance, MDC could be a huge depth piece for the Islanders. If he becomes more consistent with his play, the goals and points will start coming. Leo Komarov was a noticeable presence Tuesday, and of course, the glue of the Islanders, the defense, never goes unnoticed.
Looking to stay hot, the Isles can claim sole possession of first place with a win on Thursday against the Washington Capitals. Puck drop from the Coliseum will take place at 7:00 PM Eastern Time.
