The New York Islanders pulled off an impressive 6-3 win over the NHL’s best team, the Colorado Avalanche, on Thursday night at UBS Arena. The gritty win showcased the Isles’ penchant for winning tough games.
But the game was hardly a slogfest. The Islanders got their share of highlights, including a tally by Mathew Barzal that has to be a candidate for goal of the year.
Check out the goal here, as shown on the Islanders’ official X account:
During an Islanders’ power play late in the second period, Barzal psyched out two Colorado defenders before popping a backhander on MacKenzie Blackwood to make the game 5-2. The Avalanche would get to within 5-3, but the Islanders pulled away in the end.
Barzal’s goal was a welcome treat for Islanders’ fans. The team’s top scorer had a rough season last year. Barzal missed significant time due to injuries. But this year, he’s been healthy and productive.
On Thursday night, Barzal led the way with three points (1G, 2A) against a red-hot Avalanche club. The loss was Colorado’s second regulation loss this season. It also marked the first time the Avalanche lost by more than one goal this year. So, it was an impressive effort all around by Barzal and teammates.
Islanders Coach Reaches 200 Career Wins
New York Islanders coach Patrick Roy reached a crucial milestone in Thursday night’s win. Roy got his 200th win behind the bench. Interestingly enough, Roy coached the Avalanche for three seasons, amassing a 130-92-24 record in 246 games. He captured the Jack Adams in 2014 after leading Colorado to 52 wins and a first-place finish.
However, two subpar seasons led to his dismissal in 2016. Roy then took over the bench boss role for the Islanders during the 2023-24 season after the club canned Lane Lambert. In 37 games, Roy led an impressive turnaround that culminated in an unlikely playoff appearance.
After a tough season last year, Roy has successfully led the Islanders to a much better season. The talk of the Isles heading into a rebuild has quieted as the club is firmly in a position to land a playoff spot.
Roy’s 70 wins in New York have allowed him to reach the vaunted milestone. Islanders fans hope there will be plenty more wins to come with Roy leading the club.
Isles in Metro Division Logjam
The Islanders’ win on Thursday night gave them 33 points in the standings. That point total is good for a four-way tie with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, and New Jersey Devils for third place in the Metro. However, the Isles are technically sixth as they have one fewer win than the Devils and two more losses than the Pittsburgh Penguins. New York also has one more regulation loss than the Flyers.
Still, the Islanders are within striking distance of a playoff spot. The club could easily end up in second in the Metro, as they are just one point behind the Carolina Hurricanes. Even catching the Washington Capitals, who have 36 points, doesn’t seem like a stretch.
With as packed as the Eastern Conference is this season, the Isles have a good a chance as any team to land a playoff spot.
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