Eric Staal gets his first as a #NYR with a quick reaction off a Boyle rebound. 4-3 #Isles in this crazy affair. pic.twitter.com/nCPf7eyAhC
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) March 6, 2016
So, this is what the NHL in the 1980s was like, as the New York Rangers and Islanders combine for seven goals in the first period.
Well that was certainly interesting, and I suppose this is what watching the NHL in the 1980s felt like with Wayne Gretzky crossing over the 200 point plateau and Mario Lemieux also going nuts on the box score.
Through 20-minutes of play at Madison Square Garden, the New York Rangers and New York Islanders have combined for a ridiculous seven goals (Isles lead 4-3).
The game started with the Isles jumping all over the Blueshirts. Johnny Boychuck, Brock Nelson and Nick Leddy put their team up 3-0 not even five minutes into the game:
Complete DOMINANCE so far from the #Isles. Boychuk first, Nelson second. 2-0 Isles. #NYR pic.twitter.com/Kr55wKmXfG
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) March 6, 2016
A hockey team couldn't be more dominant through 5 minutes if the other squad left the ice. 3-0 #Isles. #NYR pic.twitter.com/CD8xQWiNoN
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) March 6, 2016
Then, however, after an Alain Vigneault timeout, the Rangers third and fourth lines responded with Oscar Lindberg and Tanner Glass each beating Jaroslav Halak:
Lindberg gives the Rangers life, as E.Staal collects first #NYR point. 3-1 #Isles pic.twitter.com/S6UXm0B9vs
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) March 6, 2016
First the 3rd line, now it's Glass and the 4th line. #NYR cut lead to 3-2. #Isles pic.twitter.com/si6If4bpvn
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) March 6, 2016
Not to be outdone, Boychuk tallied his second of the game.
That was only a precursor to the big goal of the game thus far. Newly-acquired Eric Staal quickly reacted to a rebound to collect his first goal as a Ranger:
Eric Staal gets his first as a #NYR with a quick reaction off a Boyle rebound. 4-3 #Isles in this crazy affair. pic.twitter.com/nCPf7eyAhC
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) March 6, 2016
Stay tuned folks, there’s still 40 minutes to play.