The New York Islanders fell to the Ottawa Senators 6-2 at Barclays Center Sunday night. The defeat extended the Isles’ winless streak to five games (0-4-1) and left them 13 points behind in the race for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference just 31 games into the season.
Once again, the Islanders failed to score in the third period. During the current slump, the Isles have been outscored 11-0 in third periods and overtimes. The penalty kill was once again a problem as the game-winning goal came when the Senators had the extra attacker. The Islanders have allowed at least one power-play goal in each of their last five games.
After the game, the Islanders locker room was quiet and somber as team leaders looked for answers.
“There’s not much to say, we lost,” team captain John Tavares said after the game. “That’s what matters. Break it down all you want.”
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First Period
The Senators had the better of the play early and finally took the lead at 10:30 when Bobby Ryan cashed in on a 3-on-1 breakaway. Ryan deflected a shot by Kyle Turris off his elbow and past Isles starter J.F. Berube.
Senators goalie Andrews Hammond left the game with 3:15 left in the first period after twisting awkwardly for a puck during a scramble for a loose puck in front of the net. He was replaced by Mike Condon.
Ottawa went up 2-0 when Zack Smith deflected Mark Stone’s shot from just inside the blue line. The Islanders had some scoring opportunities in the first period but gave up far too many quality chances and trailed by two after 20 minutes.
Second Period
The Islanders played with more purpose in the second period and quickly got back in the game when Josh Bailey intercepted a clearing pass and fed Anders Lee in the circle. Lee’s wrist shot beat Condon and the Isles had pulled to within 2-1 just 27 seconds into the period.
The Islanders tied the game 2-2 on the prettiest goal of the evening. After Berube made a great save, Travis Hamonic sent Anthony Beauvillier in on a breakaway after a long stretch pass. The rookie beat Condon for his third goal of the season.
The Senators took the lead for good on a power play goal by Mark Stone who banked the rebound off the skate of Hamonic and past Berube. Ottawa led 3-2 after 40 minutes.
Third Period
The Islanders had some good chances early in the third period but could not beat Condon. Tavares came the closest on a shot that was reviewed by replay after the goal light went on, but replays showed the puck hit the post and did not cross the goal line.
Ottawa got the clinching goal at 5:45 when Derick Brassard was left unattended by the far post and easily poked the puck in after the rebound came off the boards and right to him just outside the crease.
Empty net goals by Smith and Tom Pyatt made the final score 6-2 Senators.
Scoring Summary
FIRST PERIOD
OTT – Bobby Ryan (6) assisted by Kyle Turris
OTT – Zack Smith (6) assisted by Mark Stone and Erik Karlsson
SECOND PERIOD
NYI – Anders Lee (10) assisted by Josh Bailey
NYI – Anthony Beauvillier (3) assisted by Travis Hamonic
OTT – Mark Stone PPG (10) assisted by Erik Karlsson and Dion Phaneuf
THIRD PERIOD
OTT – Derick Brassard (6) assisted by Mark Stone and Zack Smith
OTT – Zack Smith SH-EN (7) unassisted
OTT – Tom Pyatt (3) assisted by Chris Kelly
THW Three Stars
First: Mark Stone (GWG, 2 assists)
Second: Zack Smith (2 goals, assist)
Third: Mike Condon (22 saves)
Next Up
New York Islanders vs Boston Bruins
TD Garden – 7:00 PM EST on Tuesday, December 20
Broadcast Channels: MSG-Plus 2 and NESN
2016-17 Season Series: First Matchup of the Season
Long time hockey writer and author of the new book, “Ice Wars: The Complete History of New York’s Greatest Modern Sports Rivalry.” It tells the story behind every game between the Rangers and Islanders dating back to 1972 and features profiles of more than 80 players from both teams and quotes from more than 50 exclusive interviews from players, coaches and broadcasters from both teams.
