New York Islanders haunt Rask, dominate Bruins 4-0 in Boston (Highlights) 2
Jan 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) tries to get around Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) during the second period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

It was a rocky beginning to another afternoon game in Boston on Monday, but the New York Islanders scored three goals in roughly five minutes to control the game. 

  • New York Islanders 4 (17-17-8, 42pts)
  • Boston Bruins 0 (23-19-5)
  • NHL, Final, Box Score
  • TD Garden, Boston, MA

Scoring Summary

It was a perfect example of the Jekyll and Hyde Islanders on Monday afternoon.

After being outshot 7-3 in the opening frame, including a 3-1 difference in two power play opportunities the Islanders flipped a switch in the second period.

It was literally a tale of two different teams who emerged during the periods. In the first, the Islanders were too careful, sluggish and hesitant.

From the second onward, it was all offense for the Islanders.

Three goals came within a 5:20 span, two from Nikolay Kulemin and a surprise goal from Josh Bailey.

Kulemin’s first goal came as the result of hard work down low by Casey Cizikas and Jason Chimera taking out the forwards down low.

Bailey completely faked out Tuukka Rask for the Islanders second goal of the game. Rask read Bailey’s play as a pass but Bailey was thinking five-hole all the way.

Kulemin’s second goal of the game came as a result of a breakaway try from Cizikas who was able to maintain possession and keep the play alive to allow Kulemin to bang home a rebound.

Just when the scoring was seemingly done, Jason Chimera found a fortunate hop on a puck and was able to bury one shorthanded past Zane McIntyre who came in as relief for Rask.

After an effort which saw all offense and little else against the Hurricanes, the Islanders are able to fully regroup and rally around a solid offensive and defensive outing.

The Islanders will face off against the Dallas Stars on Thursday night in Brooklyn.

Grew up a diehard Islanders and Mets fan based out of Northern New Jersey. Concluding my Broadcast Communications degree at William Paterson University. WP Sportsdesk member, Stan Fischler correspondent, music buff and total Star Wars freak. Follow my social media handles to learn more. Matt Di Giacomo is a Staff Writer for the Islanders on Elite Sports NY. He encourages team discussion. Tweet him @mdigiacESNY and check out his reviews on YouTube.