Isles sink Devils

On Long Island Jordan Eberle scored twice, including a power play goal in the third to help the New York Islander defeat the New Jersey Devils, 4-1 on Thursday night.

Semyon Varlamov surrendered his first goal of the season and made 30 saves for the win.

“We only had one [goal] the last two, so we wanted to get back to it,” the Islanders’ Brock Nelson said. “We have confidence in everybody in the room. … As much as everybody would like for the team to score six every night, that’s not how it works, so we’ve just got to find ways to win.”

Nathan Bastian scored the lone Devils’ goal.

“I’m always trying to grow my game,” Barzal said. “Obviously, just the last couple of years [I’ve been] pass first and whatnot, but I’d still say that’s still my game. One of my best attributes I think would be my passing, it always has been. But I play with ‘Ebs’ and [Anders Lee], who are good at creating space and giving me chances, so it was like that tonight. … I think for me, just try to be more assertive. When I do get into a chance where it’s like pass or shoot, just try to bear down and let one go.”

The Isles came out fast in the opening frame and outshot the Devils 15-6.

“The first period was more of our identity,” Isles head coach Barry Trotz said. “New Jersey has some really good speed, they sort of try to fly into the zone a little bit. I thought we just played the right way. We jumped on them; they’ve been a quick-start team. I thought that was real key.”

Nelson and Mathew Barzal added single markers for the Islanders.

“I think my linemates (Barzal, Lee), we created a few chances,” Eberle said. “We’ve had some good looks the past few games and hit a few posts, we just haven’t really capitalized. It’s nice that we finished a few off today.”

Scott Wedgewood got the start for New Jersey because Mackenzie Blackwood was placed on COVID19 protocol; he and made 31 saves in the loss.

“I was told this morning at pregame skate, and then I obviously feel for [Blackwood] kind of getting that call,” Wedgewood said. “His health is important, so taking the right precautions is good for him. On my end I was excited. It’s been a long time since I got in the net at the NHL level, over three years I think it’s been, so I was excited to see what I can do and help the guys win.”