Islanders play first complete game in win over ‘Yotes

The New York Islanders took to the ice on Thursday after not playing for nearly a week. Four days of practice later, the Isles were anxious to hit the ice. There was very little rust in the first period, as Derick Brassard scored his first goal as an Islander just a minute and a half in.

The Islanders gave the lead back when after a bad line change Michael Grabner was able to capitalize on a breakaway. Fortunately, the Islanders put together a full 60 minute effort and the Coyotes were only able to get 23 shots off.

Josh Bailey gave the Islanders the lead when Nick Leddy fed a wide-open Bailey in the slot for a one-timer. Anders Lee later added a goal from his butt for insurance, and after a Conor Garland goal cut the lead back to one, Scott Mayfield delivered with an empty netter from nearly 200 feet.

The Islanders played their most complete game and it showed, as Arizona is one of the best young teams in the league. With the win, the winning streak for the Isles stands at five. The Islanders head to Ottawa Saturday to face the Senators.