Islanders Beat NHL-Best Jets 3-2 in Last Game Before Trade Deadline
Isles’ Performance Raises Hopes for Playoff Run
ELMONT, NY — Had the New York Islanders played as they did on Tuesday night at UBS Arena against the NHL-best Winnipeg Jets, perhaps they would not be staring down the possibility of saying goodbye to some long-time contributors.
Brock Nelson, one of the Islanders’ most-coveted trade chips, scored a goal and added an assist as his long-time club took down the Jets 3-2 in their final game before Friday’s 3 p.m. ET trade deadline.
Kyle Palmieri, who is also another potential deadline casualty, scored a goal while netminder Ilya Sorokin made 28 saves outdueling Vezina Trophy favorite Connor Hellebuyck.
Islanders’ Effort Pays Off
Defenseman Ryan Pulock scored early in the third to clinch the win, which came just 24 hours after they were shut out 4-0 by the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
“I could tell that the guys were ready for this game,” head coach Patrick Roy said. “We knew we were playing against a very good hockey club, and we had to come up with a solid team effort, and that’s exactly what we got.”
Isles’ Trade Deadline Looms
The win moves New York (28-26-7, 63 points) within three points of the final Wild Card playoff berth, though four teams still sit between them and the Rangers, who hold that final spot.
“There’s a lot going on for sure,” Nelson said. “But I’m just trying to worry about playing hockey, even though there’s obviously more that goes into it, in terms of a lot of things and emotions… but first and foremost, I thought this was a really big win for us.”
Palmieri and Nelson Shine
Palmieri hooked up with Nelson on the power play to put the Islanders ahead at the 16:49 mark of the first period. After receiving a feed in the right circle from Bo Horvat, Nelson sent a cross-ice feed to Palmieri, who fired home his 20th goal of the season to put the hosts ahead.
“It’s out of my control,” Palmieri said about playing with the trade rumors looming over him. “I think it’s one of those things that’s a part of the business. I’ve been around long enough to be traded, see friends get traded. It’s not something you can focus on.”
Nelson picked up his goal 1:33 into the second period to double the Islanders’ advantage when he stuffed home a give-and-go with Maxim Tsyplakov into a wide-open net for his 20th goal of the season.
Conclusion
The Islanders’ performance on Tuesday night raises hopes for a playoff run, despite the uncertainty surrounding their roster. As they prepare for the trade deadline, the team’s focus remains on winning and making a push for the postseason.
FAQs
* What was the score of the game between the New York Islanders and the Winnipeg Jets?
The Islanders won 3-2.
* How many goals did Brock Nelson score in the game?
Nelson scored one goal and added an assist.
* Who else scored for the Islanders?
Kyle Palmieri and Ryan Pulock also scored for the Islanders.
* What is the current standing of the New York Islanders in the league?
The Islanders are currently in 10th place in the Eastern Conference with 63 points.
