The New York Islanders split games against the Flyers, winning 3-2 in Brooklyn and dropping an overtime thriller in Allentown.
There was a lot of positive to take out of the Islanders preseason contests tonight after they split in Allentown and in Brooklyn. Starting with their game in Allentown, let’s dive in a bit closer.
The Islanders played a close game in Pennsylvania, staying in the game consistently before the Flyers took a 2-1 lead. With only 22 seconds left to play, Anders Lee tied the game with a feed from Brock Nelson, and the Islanders proved resilient as it took OT to down the Blue and Orange courtesy of Shane Gostisbehere’s goal.
Meanwhile, in Brooklyn, Travis Konecny took an early lead just 52 seconds in courtesy of a bad rebound from Thomas Greiss, who sharpened up after allowing the game’s first goal.
Bad rebound by Greiss, Flyers score first pic.twitter.com/ORo66ZxBV7
— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) September 20, 2017
It was all Islanders from then on, with the next story of defenseman-turned-winger Devon Towes tying the game for the Islanders.
Nice pass from Kubiak to Devon Toews who buries it,1-1 #Isles pic.twitter.com/yxbrxrpyWh
— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) September 20, 2017
The Islanders went on to take a 2-1 lead courtesy of Johnny Boychuk and Andrew Ladd added a third goal to secure the Islanders’ lead and the win for the night.
Overall, it was a great night for the Islanders youngsters. Devon Toews demonstrated excellent speed and his masterful skating, Greiss locked himself in and looked to be in mid-season form after allowing the game’s first goal, and even though Scott Mayfield had an overall so-so night, he still came up big in moments for the Islanders.
Nice defensive play by Mayfield to stop the two on one #Isles pic.twitter.com/MEJoD6QnJN
— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) September 20, 2017
Where They Stand
With preseason halfway over, it’s fair to say that management has a decent idea of who to keep on the final roster, and there are many kids that continue to make a strong case for themselves.
Mathew Barzal has been playing with a fire under him, and notably so. The forward has two tallies so far this preseason and has been skating with confidence. After admitting to being a bit ‘star-struck’ last season, Barzal has been making good on his statement to play like he belongs in the big leagues.
Scott Mayfield is still playing determined hockey, but it’s likely he starts the year with Bridgeport. With Ryan Pulock patiently waiting in the AHL the last two seasons, it’s a good shot he’s priority number one when it comes to promotions.
In the event of an inevitable injury, expect to see Mayfield as the first call-up.
The Islanders will play the Rangers Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Webster’s Bank Arena (home of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers). They will then play the Devils on the 27 in Brooklyn, they will be in Buffalo on the 29 and in Philadelphia to face the Flyers once more on the first of October to conclude their preseason.
With anticipation growing to begin the season, puck drop is just a little over two weeks away.
It can’t come soon enough.
