New York Islanders Prospects Draw First Blood In Close Win Over Philadelphia Flyers in OT
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 07: Ryan White #25 of the Philadelphia Flyers takes the puck in the second period against the New York Islanders on April 7, 2015 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

In the conclusion of their training camp activities, the New York Islanders prospects edged the Flyers’ Jr. squad 4-3 in overtime.

The New York Islanders’ prospects managed to put the finishing touches on a great, late-game comeback at the Wells Fargo Center Wednesday evening.

After falling early to the Philadelphia Flyers 1-0, John Steven initially tied the game for the future Islanders.

After allowing a third goal in the second, the Islanders hit the ice in the third period down 3-1 and needing a two-goal comeback. Then, just like that, the Islanders looked like a completely energized team as Arnaud Duarndeau scored the Islanders’ second goal to make it a one-goal game.

The momentum shifted.

Sebastian Aho — and not to be confused with the Hurricanes’ Sebastian Aho — tied the game with just over a minute-and-a-half left to play.

The Islanders forced OT, and rather than to turtle in the shell of a two-goal deficit, they managed to claw their way back and earn what would have been a point at the NHL level.

But, it wasn’t over there…

Mitch Vande Sompel — the Islanders’ 3rd round pick in 2015 — buries an OT winner and completes the comeback for the Islanders in Philadelphia.

While this indeed just a prospect game, a newfound discipline was displayed on the ice by the Islanders’ most impressionable prospects. Training camp in seasons past, unfortunately, did not produce many wins for the Islanders, making a comeback win even more notable for the young squad the Islanders iced.

Most notably, players such as Mathew Barzal and Josh Ho-Sang, still very much rookies in their own way, were not included on the rookie camp roster. While not a definite answer, it does appear promising for the two in terms of available roster spots, as both players are expected to be in the opening night lineup come the regular season.

The Islanders are set to make their preseason debut against the Flyers on September 17. This will also be their first game back to the Nassau Coliseum since April 25, 2015.

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.