A lackluster first period was enough to keep the Isles out of the win column once more against the Nashville Predators, in an aggravating display of defense and goaltending from the opponents.
Pekka Rinne made 36 saves, and the skaters in front of him combined for three goals, +10, 19 blocked shots and 14 takeaways, as the Predators ultimately kept their lead. Sergei Kostitsyn and Matt Halischuk scored on the first two Nashville shots of the game, and then David Legwand padded the total. Then Rinne and the D took care of the rest, shutting much of the Isles' offense down save for the Isles' lone goal late in the third, by John Tavares (who extended his points streak to nine games).
Nashville is both fascinating and aggravating to watch. Not once did the Preds deviate from their game plan, scoring all of their goals and then focusing exclusively on keeping the Islanders away from their goalie- and without taking penalties, might I add. When New York did get in front of the net, Rinne took care of virtually every opportunity, particularly on a two-man-down situation in the second period. He ended up earning the second star of the game for his efforts.
There isn't much else to say about this game, except that I hope the Isles can get their heads right and come out for a full 60 minutes against Washington tomorrow night. The Capitals MAY not be what they were last year, but they can still eat a team for breakfast if they're not prepared. Stay tuned.
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