The New York Islanders trailed 2-0 and 3-1 before getting a rally started late in the middle frame for 6-3 win over the Ottawa Senators.
Mathew Barzal struck for two goals in the third period after the Isles cut the deficit to 3-2 ahead of the second intermission.
Mathew Barzal had two third period goals for Isles in win over Sens – file photo courtesy of Lewis Bleiman
“We knew we had to get better; we knew it was getting ugly there a little bit,” Barzal said. “I’m just trying to look at the net a little more. I only had two shots, so I’m just trying to make the right play. If the shot’s there, the shot’s there; if it’s not, it’s not. I’ve got two scoring players on my line (Bailey and Anthony Beauvillier), and they can score. I’m going to try to get them the puck; they do the same to me. The chemistry’s been good lately.”
Josh Bailey, Anders Lee, Johnny Boychuk and Casey Cizikas also scored for New York.
Thomas Greiss got the start for the Isles but was given the hook at 6:11 of the second after surrendering three goals on 17 shots.
“I thought Thomas could have been a little sharper,” New York coach Barry Trotz said. “I thought our bench could be a lot sharper.”
Mark Stone, Matt Duchene and Cody Ceci scored for the Senators.
“I thought we were solid, came out strong, had control of the game,” Senators head coach Guy Boucher said. “We gave them two goals. When you give two goals to the opponent, you give them life and they’re home and they got momentum out of it.”
Robin Lehner made 10 saves and got the win for New York.
[WATCH: All Senators vs. Islanders highlights]
Mike McKenna made 33 saves in the loss.
“It starts with me. I’ll wear the hat on this one, for sure,” McKenna said. “I didn’t do my job to win this game. I know it’s a team and everybody’s responsible for what we do, but that’s on me tonight.
“I gave them momentum by screwing one up, so that’s what happens sometimes.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.