The New York Islanders head into Boston after an uplifting victory on Thursday night.
The Islanders had a poor start in the first period of the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The team trailed 3-1 after 20 minutes and it seemed that the game was out of reach after a flat-footed performance. However, New York tied the game in the second, courtesy of another powerplay goal from captain Mark Streit (the team has scored on the power play in its first three games) and Brad Boyes' first goal as an Islander.
The Islanders then took over the game in the third as Michael Grabner continued his hot start with his second goal of the season and Keith Aucoin scored his first goal as an Islander to make the lead 5-3. The Islanders suffered a slight scare when the Leafs' Captain Dion Phaneuf hit Islanders' star John Tavares from behind into the glass, but on the ensuing play Phanuef gave away the puck to Matt Moulson who extended the lead to 6-3. The Islanders eventually held on for a 7-4 win. According to Islanders statistician Eric Hornick, that was the first time the Islanders have scored seven road goals in regulation since Dec. 3, 2006 and the first time the team puts up seven goals against Toronto since March 20, 1986.
New York now heads into Boston to take on a team that dominated them a year ago in three out of their four meetings. The Bruins are coming off a heart-breaking loss to the NY Rangers at the Madison Square Garden. Boston rallied from a 2-0 deficit to force overtime but wound up losing 4-3. The Bruins will be out to avenge their last performance and have a physical style that has proven difficult for the Islanders in the past. The Islanders will also have a hard task of containing Boston star Tyler Seguin who has yet to score a single goal in three games and will look to breakout against the Islanders. Last year, the 20-year old scored six points in four games against the Islanders.
New York is vastly outmatched by Boston the team has shown some depth in its last two games with the second and third lines featuring heavily in the scoring. The Islanders' defense has been questionable at times but the goal tending will be the biggest question mark. If Evgeni Nabokov gets the start, he gives the team a strong chance to win. However, since he played on Thursday, Coach Jack Capuano may be inclined to start backup Rick DiPietro.
Prediction: The Islanders put up a good fight but Boston outscores them. 5-3 Bruins.
Start Time: 7 PM EST
TV Info: NESN, MSG Plus
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