Islanders beat Pittsburgh in shootout, 9 goals in the game

Pittsburgh fell to the upstart Isalnders 5-4 in their last game of the regular season. The Penguins showed their biggest weakness, which is still a playoff spot. Specifically, keeping the lead throughout the game. The well-tuned home team, even without rested mainstays, indulged in a great tune-up for the knockout stage.

1.third

The Islanders entered the game better, also helped by a Rust suspension early in the game. In the 5th minute, the crowd was treated to the first goal. Nelson skated in front of the net on a pass from Holmstrom and beat Nedljkovic with a quick shot.

Pittsburgh created a hopeful flurry in front of Sorokin’s goal late in the 1st period. Eventually, it resulted in the equalizing goal. Rakell got enough space between the circles and beat the home goalie with a shot between the boards.

2.period

The start of the 2nd period didn’t offer anything too exciting. The crowd got up from their seats when Aho was sent off. The Penguins used the power play and turned the game on their side. Crosby with a millimeter pass found Malkin standing in the crease, who pushed the puck into the net.

In the middle part of the game, the biggest excitement came from a wild two-minute period around the 14th minute. First, Romanov’s shot in front of the net was crossed by Cizikas to tie the game. The tie lasted only a minute, however, as Puustinen sent the Penguins back in front thanks to a mistake by the home defense.

20. with seconds left in the period, the Penguins were able to celebrate again. On the power play, the visitors failed to get the puck out of the period, which was taken advantage of by Nelson, who found a ready Palmieri in the left circle, who tied the game with a shot from the first.

3.period

The goal in the 3rd period came right after a minute and a half. The Islanders took the lead on a power play by Bolduc. The Canadian defenseman’s shot from the blue line was knocked into his own net by Shea. The home team turned the game around and took the lead for the second time.

Pittsburgh got back into the game with a power play. Both teams took advantage of 2 opportunities offered by the opponent. Carter found none other than Crosby in the crease for his 2nd assist of the game.

The decisive blow was delivered by the home team with 5 minutes left in regulation time. Maclean took advantage of a mistake by the visiting defense and passed to Holmstrom, who was already aware of the situation. The Islanders also won the game thanks to an unconverted penalty shot by Crosby with half a minute left.

Source: NHL