BROOKLYN, NY – The Winnipeg Jets were looking to go 3-0 for the first time in franchise history to start the season. It was also their first appearance in the Barclays Center the new home for the New York Islanders who made the move to Brooklyn. Columbus Day meant an early start to the game and the Jets didn’t adjust very well as they fell 4-2 giving the Islanders there first win of the young season.
The Jets ran into penalty trouble something that plagued them last season as they were one of the most penalized teams. The Islanders jumped out to a 3-0 lead after scoring two power play goals. In the end, the Islanders went 2-6 with the man advantage but those goals proved costly for Winnipeg.
“You want to take advantage of your chances when you get that many power-play opportunities,” the Isles’ John Tavares said. “I think it’s crucial not only to generate momentum but you want to put the puck in the net.”
Winnipeg got goals from Mark Scheifele who continued to stay hot with his third goal of the short season, Dustin Byfuglien scored a power play marker for his 1st of the year.
Islanders got goals from Ryan Strome his first of the year a power play marker , Brock Nelson his first , Tavares his second a power play goal , Josh Bailey added an empty netter his first of the year.
“I think overall our whole game [was better]” Tavares said, “Obviously our power play was able to generate some momentum from it. We got a lot of power plays because we were working hard. I think that’s a key for us. We seemed to be a little more in sync. Certainly to get the first win here. It’s not only nice to get that here but [the first win] to start the season and we want to take advantage of being at home this week.”
Ondrej Pavelec was strong in the net for Winnipeg making 40 stops and keeping the Jets in this game and giving them a chance to hang around and make a comeback.
“We took too many penalties, and that’s very tough against a team like the Islanders,” Pavelec said. “They had a lot of time on the power play. We picked up a little bit in the third [period]; I thought in the third we were OK.”
Thomas Greiss made 22 saves to get the win for New York.
This was a hard hitting affair between two of the league’s younger faster teams as both like to roll all four lines and grind it out.
The Jets finished with 42 hits and the Islanders had 30. The Islanders came out hungry to get their first win and just peppered the Jets with a strong attack.
Tavares finished the game with a goal and two helpers and was dynamite every time he was on the ice he was named the game’s first star.
The Jets will head to Madison Square Garden for another stiff test and play the Rangers on Tuesday night before heading home.
The Jets are awaiting news as Byfuglien left the game favoring his leg late in the third period and will be a game-time decision against the Rangers.
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