In Uniondale, a three-goal second period from the New York Islanders was enough to send the Pittsburgh Penguins to the also-ran column in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Brock Nelson had two goals for the New York Islanders
The Isles defeated Pittsburgh, 5-3, in Game 6 to take the series, 4-2.
“When everybody stays on task, a lot can get accomplished with the group,” Islanders head coach Barry Trotz said. “I’ve said it probably to every team I’ve had, ‘You want to go somewhere fast, go by yourself. You want to go somewhere far, go with the group.’ This group believes in the group, the strength in the group.”
Ilya Sorokin made 34 saves to get the series-winning victory.
“It was a crazy game, but never out of reach,” New York’s Brock Nelson said. “No quit in this team. We always try to fight back, and we were able to do that tonight.”
Jason Zucker had a goal and two points for the Pens,
Nelson struck for two goals for New York.
“This group always sticks with it,” Nelson said. “The fans gave us a boost, they were fired up today. They were rowdy, they were loud. … Once we got the lead, they were loud through the end. It’s awesome having them back. We just wanted to get that one in front of them.”
Jeff Carter and Jake Guentzel also scored for the Pens.
“I think it’s just disappointment,” Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby said. “It’s not guaranteed to make the playoffs. We’ve been fortunate that we’ve been there a lot. Every time you get to play in the playoffs, it’s an opportunity. It really is the best time of the year. You want to be in it. You want to play for a long time. You want to compete for the Stanley Cup, so it’s never a good feeling when you lose.”
Crosby was held to one goal in the series.
“We got a huge save and it settled us right down,” Trotz said. “… [Pelech and Pulock] have become a really good pair in the National Hockey League as a pair. They’ve done a great job.
“Sid is unbelievable, how he can create and how hard he is to contain. He’s a guy that feels pressure and he can spin off and he can make plays on his forehand, his backhand. He’s so intelligent. It takes a very good group of players to try to defend him and keep him in check.”
Kyle Palmieri and Ryan Pulock had single markers for the Islanders.
Anthony Beauvillier potted a goal and three points on the night.
Tristan Jarry made 19 saves in the loss.
“When they get opportunities, they capitalize on them,” Carter said. “That’s how they win games. They played a heck of a series as well. It could’ve went either way, to be honest with you. That’s how I feel.”
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