New York Islanders

Hosting the young Arizona Coyotes at Barclays Center Monday night, John Tavares led his New York Islanders to a convincing 5-2 victory.

New York Islanders 5 (10-6-3, 23 pts)
Arizona Coyotes 2 (9-8-1, 19 pts)
NHL, Full Game Box Score
Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY

By Robby Sabo

There’s no better hockey player in New York than John Tavares, and he exhibited why tonight in Brooklyn.

As his New York Islanders welcomed in the young Arizona Coyotes to the Barclays Center, he collected two goals and one beautiful assist en route to leading his squad to a commanding 5-2 victory.

Frans Nielsen, Brock Nelson and Steve Bernier also scored, while winger Kyle Okposo tallied an impressive three assists.

Jaroslav Halak stopped 31 shots on the night and was just minutes away from a shutout until Martin Hanzal and Mikkel Boedker each slipped one past him to inch Arizona closer.

Speaking of Tavares’s beauty of an assist, here it is (as it accounted for the first goal of the game, just 4:51 into the first period coming on the power play):

Not many could whirl a backhanded, elevated pass like that through two defenders.

Now winners of two straight and three-of-four, the Islanders will get ready to host the tough Montreal Canadiens on Friday night.

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Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com