The New York Islanders suffered their first regulation loss under Doug Weight Friday night, after being edged 5-4 by the Detroit Red Wings, stumbling on their journey to contention.
- New York Islanders 4 (22-18-9, 53 points)
- Detroit Red Wings 5 (21-21-9, 51 points)
- NHL Final, Box Score
- Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI
Back and forth
In a game with close to no offense, the Islanders were on the receiving end of some unfortunate bounces.After missing a few games due to injury, Thomas Hickey had a rough time settling in.
Also back from injury was Cal Clutterbuck, who incidentally left the game with an injury again.
Needless to say the Isles defenders had a tough day at the office and, as a result, it snapped the Islanders seven game point streak.
#Isles Injury Update: Cal Clutterbuck will not return to tonight's game (lower body).
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 4, 2017
Recap
The Islanders began the game on a strong note, as John Tavares dished a beauty to Josh Bailey who didn’t miss.
What a shot Bails. ? #NYIvsDET #LGI pic.twitter.com/HGK0AtFVAL
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 4, 2017
The Wings then tied the game around the 10 minute mark, but Andrew Ladd found a lucky bounce to let the Islanders walk out of the first period with a 2-1 lead.
Another look at @aladd16's goal. #Isles #LGI #NYIvsDET pic.twitter.com/t0c4FPtcxI
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 4, 2017
The Islanders continued to press, but Petr Mrazek made particular key saves like one on Ryan Strome off a beautiful chance.
It set up the stage for the Red Wings to take the lead with a goal from Anthony Mantha.
Tavares evened the score once more, on a power play for the Islanders, at 3-3.
Henrik Zetterberg capitalized on an Islander miscue, with help from Gustav Nyquist and blown coverage on his pass.
Consequently, the Isles left the second period down 4-3.
But resiliency was prominent, as Jason Chimera did not want to be denied in his 1,000th NHL game.
Quick update: Mr. 1,000 just tied it. #NYIvsDET pic.twitter.com/XQjr5rxS9A
— NHL (@NHL) February 4, 2017
A Detroit challenge attempted to prove the goal offsides, but it was not overturned.
The Islanders were then set to enter overtime, guarantee themselves a point and extend their streak.
Unfortunately, the puck was iced and the Islanders would need a key defensive zone win.
Tavares lost the faceoff, and Zetterberg scored perhaps the luckiest goal of his career off the feet of Nick Leddy, and then Hickey.
For the Islanders, there’s no time to waste sulking.
What’s happened has happened, and it’s back to the drawing board today for the upcoming game against Carolina.
