Well, that was something; Isles blow out Tavares and Leafs 6-1

The New York Islanders defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-1 in what turned into a blowout at Nassau Coliseum.  Anthony Beauvillier started off the scoring for the Isles after a Zach Hyman goal quieted the crowd late in the first period.

Anders Lee took a beautiful feed from Brock Nelson to make it 2-1 and make the roof of the Coliseum nearly collapse.  Zach Hyman quieted the crowd briefly with a nice give and go into an empty net but the goal was called back after the Islanders’ video review team noticed that the Leafs were offside, ever so slightly.

The Islanders used that momentum to their advantage, and rattled off two more goals in the second period.  The first being an absolutely rabid effort by Casey Cizikas to steal the puck on the penalty kill, loop around the Maple Leafs D on a breakaway and stuff one through Garrett Sparks’ five hole.  Val Filppula continued the scoring to make it 4-1 with a nice wrister right in front of the net with just one minute remaining in the period.

The rout was on by the time the third period started as Casey Cizikas tipped a Nick Leddy shot from the point just 33 seconds into the third period.  Cizikas now has 19 goals on the season, ten more than his previous season high of 9 goals with 19 games to play.  Brock Nelson finished the scoring with a great feed in the slot from Jordan Eberle.

It was a raucous atmosphere at the Coliseum and probably the most fun I’ve ever had watching a hockey game.  The Islanders were trending on Twitter and at one point were the third most popular on social media.  Not bad for a team that was an afterthought by hockey in general and even more so by their own town representatives.

There will be a few more articles on this game but at the end of the day it’s an important two points for the Islanders.  Robin Lehner looked super sharp, making 34 of 35 saves and staying stout in his crease throughout.  The Islanders got contributions from all four lines and looked to be the team that was an absolute wagon earlier in the season.  They come back tomorrow night against the Washington Capitals, who currently sit only two points behind them.  It’s a game the Islanders need to re-focus on.  They can’t let this game drain their emotions.  It was a wonderful night in Islanders country, but it’s time to move on.