Ducks (and wins) in a Row

Isles keep things rolling at home; win fourth straight

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Good Morning, Islanders Country.

“SHG” = Short-handed goal or Simon Holmstrom goal? (h/t @IslesMSG)

The Isles were in the uncomfortable position of killing a penalty late in a tied game when the team’s Swedish silent short-handed assassin struck for the fourth time this season. Holmstrom’s short-side goal with 1:33 remaining was record-setting as the latest go-ahead short-handed goal in franchise history.

You can add blowing a two-goal lead followed by a comeback win to the list of resounding and thrilling wins during this home stand, which has produced nine out of a possible ten points thus far with Boston on deck.

The Isles played as the better team they are last night, but this was a tricky game to navigate as two unlucky bounces helped the Ducks tie the game heading into the third. A deflected shot put the Isles behind and in danger of regretfully losing two points, but the Isles found a new way to win.

Despite the deficit, the Islanders still felt in control and maintained their composure, capitalizing on the powerplay when Mathew Barzal’s 10th of the season tied the game. Later, Robert Bortuzzo’s questionable penalty unexpectedly presented the short-haded opportunity that led to the game-winner.

“I don't really know what to credit it to,” Barzal said. “We’re just learning from our mistakes and just having a good character room where we weren't going to let it get to us.”

A little bit of everything is helping the Islanders win right now, with different heroes emerging each night in games that each have taken on a unique shape.