Will the Islanders ruin Sid’s party or will they help him celebrate?
The New York Islanders, who have fallen victim to Sidney Crosby‘s unfair greatness for years, had the honor of being his opponents in his 1,000th career game.
Would they be another reason he celebrates this occasion? Or would they spoil the party?
The only change to the lineup that the Islanders made is putting Leo Komarov in instead of Kieffer Bellows.
1st period: Trying to spoil the fun
The Islanders came out firing and had more scoring chances that were more dangerous. This period was also quite physical.
Both teams came out scoreless, but the Islanders did a lot of good that they would need to build on heading into the remaining 40 minutes of the game.
2nd period: Beau’s not having it
The Islanders may or may not have been put at a disadvantage by the referees. With about eight minutes left, Anthony Beauvillier was booked on a questionable hooking call.
Pittsburgh’s dangerous trio took advantage of the power play to get their team up 1-0. Kris Letang scored his first of the season that was assisted by Evgeni Malkin and, of course, the man of the hour, Mr. Crosby.
Looks like he wasn’t going to get out of this game pointless, after all.
Beauvillier wanted revenge and made a nice play to get the puck to Jordan Eberle, who scored a great backhander to tie the game.
3rd period: The Penguins are too much
In the opening minute of the period, Brock Nelson put the Islanders ahead. Unfortunately, that lead wouldn’t last: the Penguins were able to tie it at two.
The Islanders had a good third period and had several scoring chances, but Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry got the job done for his team.
Unfortunately for the Islanders, Crosby and Letang were too much to handle in this game. Letang scored his second of the night and of the season to give his team the lead again.
The Islanders had a chance to tie the game on a late power play and when they emptied the net, but couldn’t get it done.
Key Moment: Beauty from Eberle
The key moment of the game was Eberle’s great goal that got his team on the board.
Forehand ➡️ backhand ➡️ GOAL pic.twitter.com/wkeNnchM5i
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 21, 2021
It was a beautiful but important goal that got the Islanders going offensively. Eberle has been one of the team’s best goal-scorers this season, and this skill will be important as they embark upon their journey to the playoffs.
Player of the game: Scott Mayfield
Scott Mayfield was not only the Islanders’ best player, but the overall best player on the ice in this game. He was offensively productive but displayed a valiant defensive effort.
His numbers on the night: 19:40 TOI, 0.08 iXG, three blocks, 1.19 xGF, 0.35 xGA, 1.06 GF, 0 GA, one takeaway, five HDCF, zero HDCA, 1.36 defensive score, and 0.87 offensive score.
Stats are courtesy of Hockey Stat Cards and Natural Stat Trick.
