After beating the Anaheim Ducks a night ago, the New York Islanders look to conquer the Los Angeles Kings on the West Coast.
- New York Islanders (6-8-4)
- Los Angeles Kings (10-9-1)
- NHL, Wed., Nov. 23, 10:30 p.m. ET, MSG+
- Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
The New York Islanders put on a great offensive display last night in a controversial 3-2 win against the Anaheim Ducks. It was the Islanders first road win of the season and it came in the franchise longest 14th round of the shootout.
As the Islanders look towards facing the Los Angeles Kings tonight, they must carry some important keys from their game against the Ducks.
Islanders vs. Ducks Recap
The Islanders were very dominant during the first two periods of play against the Ducks generating a fair amount of chances after quickly falling behind 1-0 on a PP goal just 62 seconds in the first period.
Adam Pelech tied the game for the Islanders with the first of his NHL career at 11:51 of the first period.
Josh Bailey padded gave the Islanders the lead on a beautiful powerplay goal that’s sure to give the Islanders some confidence with the man advantage.
But unfortunately Jack Capuano‘s game plan doesn’t include playing a full 60 minutes of hockey and a defensive lapse led to a tying goal from Rickard Rackell.
Thomas Greiss bailed the Islanders out of overtime, who were outshot 7-1 and had a spectacular game once again.
Nick Leddy scored the eventual shootout winner, after the Islanders fell behind on four separate occasions and John Tavares, Ryan Strome, and Nikolay Kulemin tied the shootout while Thomas Hickey potted a controversial fourth tying goal.
Looking To the Kings
The Islanders finally potted away two points and a crucial win against a good team last night on Tuesday. If they want to continue to resuscitate their season there’s no room for them to let up on the pressure.
There was a lot of good pacing throughout the first two periods against the Ducks and it seems that getting some veteran input helped generate some offense. Despite only potting two goals in regulation the Islanders generated plenty of chances (35 SOG) in comparison to their previous effort vs. the Penguins (22 SOG).
As long as the consistency remains with the forwards and the power-play looks as good (and preferably better) than it did last night the Islanders can continue their push into a playoff spot.
Rosters
Bailey seemed right at home on the first line with Tavares and Anthony Beauvillier complimented both players admirably. That top line should remain intact tonight against the L.A. Kings.
For the Islanders Jaroslav Halak will man the crease after Greiss’ performance last night (.951 save percentage).
Defense and Offense pairings TBA.
For the L.A. Kings Anze Kopitar is close to returning and could be a game time decision tonight. Marian Gaborik, who has not yet played this season, was ruled out tonight (broken foot in the World Cup of Hockey). Andy Andreoff and Brayden McNabb will remain out for the Kings.
Peter Budaj started for the Kings when they beat the Ducks 3-2 on Sunday, but it’s unclear who gets the nod in goal tonight.
