The New York Islanders faced a tough loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night, falling 4-3 in a shootout at UBS Arena. This game marked a low point for the Islanders’ power play, which not only failed to score but also contributed to their defeat.
Early in the game, the Islanders looked strong, building a 2-0 lead and dominating play at even strength. They were aggressive, forechecking well and keeping the Blue Jackets on their heels. However, everything changed when Damon Severson was penalized for tripping Bo Horvat early in the second period. The Islanders’ power play struggled, allowing a shorthanded goal that shifted momentum to Columbus.
After allowing the Blue Jackets to score, the Islanders briefly regained the lead with a goal from Anders Lee. But the damage had been done. Columbus tied the game again, and the Islanders found themselves on the defensive, unable to replicate their earlier success at five-on-five. Kirill Marchenko scored for the Blue Jackets with just over seven minutes left in the third period, tying the game at three.
In a dramatic finish, the Islanders thought they had won the game with a goal from Kyle Palmieri with only 8.9 seconds remaining. However, the goal was disallowed due to interference, leaving the game to go into overtime. Both teams had chances in the extra period, but neither could find the net, leading to a shootout where Columbus emerged victorious.
This loss was particularly frustrating for the Islanders, as it not only allowed the Blue Jackets to catch up in the standings but also kept the Islanders from gaining ground on the New York Rangers and tying the Montreal Canadiens. The Islanders’ power play has been a consistent issue for them, and this game highlighted just how costly it can be. The failure to convert on the power play directly cost them two valuable points, which could have significant implications for their playoff hopes.
Despite the setback, the Islanders have shown resilience in recent weeks, managing to stay competitive in the playoff race. However, if they cannot improve their power play, they may find it difficult to maintain their momentum moving forward.