Over .500? Test. Out of the basement? Test.
The Islanders checked off each these objectives on Friday night time at UBS Enviornment — and eventually gained a sport wherein they decidedly outclassed their opposition. Sure, it was the lowly Coyotes, however this sport regarded the best way it was speculated to look: A 4-0 Islanders win wherein Brock Nelson scored twice, Ilya Sorokin earned his fourth shutout of the season and the outcome wasn’t in a lot doubt past the primary interval.
At 14-13-6, the Islanders are again over .500 for the primary time since Nov. 11. And with 34 factors, they’ve jumped the Devils and Flyers within the Metropolitan Division.
The Islanders didn’t get their first shot on web till greater than 10 minutes into the sport, however as soon as they broke the preliminary drought, issues got here extra simply.
Scott Mayfield put them up 1-0 with a slap shot from the best level with 6:09 to go within the first interval. A couple of minutes later, Mayfield assisted Austin Czarnik with a cross-ice feed that Czarnik deposited into an open Arizona web to double the lead.
In opposition to bottom-feeding Arizona, that was sufficient to be fairly comfy.
Although the Islanders didn’t rating once more till early within the third interval, they performed one in all their cleanest defensive video games of the season, suppressing and blocking sufficient photographs that Sorokin was solely known as upon to make 17 saves, few of which gave him any hassle.
“It’s a great signal when that’s occurring,” Mayfield mentioned. “We’ve kinda been capable of put it collectively right here for a bit of bit. Issues look like they’re coming collectively.”
At 1:22 of the third, a two-on-one rush gave Nelson a straightforward have a look at aim, which he transformed with a wrist shot to make it 3-0. That put an finish to what little suspense lingered. Nelson added one other with 10 minutes to go within the sport, sliding the puck in from Anthony Beauvillier on a rush.
The Islanders might need the look of a staff that’s rolling — they’ve now earned factors in eight of 9 video games — however none of their wins through the present run have come towards groups in playoff place. They’ve accomplished what they should do, however have but to show it towards the kind of competitors they’ll must beat to take care of their climb into relevance.
That probability will come on Saturday when the Maple Leafs, who battered the Islanders 3-0 at UBS Enviornment in November, make a return go to.
On Friday, all of the Islanders may do was beat the staff in entrance of them — a aim they completed with ease.
“I believe that’s the type we wish to play,” Mayfield mentioned. “After we received of their finish we have been capable of management the puck. We didn’t give them simple exits.”
There’s nonetheless an extended strategy to go. However after they get up on Saturday, the Islanders will probably be pleased to lastly see groups under them within the standings.
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