Sharks 3, Islanders 2: T-Beau time not enough

The New York Islanders fell to 1-3 on the season after losing 3-2 to the San Jose Sharks after Joe Pavelski deflected the game winning goal past Jaroslav Halak with a little over 2 minutes remaining in the third period. It was the kind of inconsistent game that seems to be typical for the Islanders, with flashes of strong play marred by endless chipping, chasing, and assorted dump-ins.

On the bright side, Anthony Beauvillier got his first NHL goal in the second period, showing some of the flashiness that led the Islanders coaching staff to want to keep him in the NHL in the first place. It’s a moment he won’t forget (or possibly won’t remember because of the excitement, as he said to Shannon Hogan during his intermission interview.)

(This was super cute, too!)

[Game Sum | Event Sum | Natural Stat Trick | HockeyViz]

Slow Start:

The Islanders started the first off slowly, despite San Jose coming off the first game of a back-to-back stretch where they gave up 7 goals the night before. In what should’ve been a tired game for the Sharks, it was the Isles who were out-possessed and outworked, and generated a measly 4 shots on debutant goaltender Aaron Dell. The Sharks opened the scoring about 6 minutes in with a Melker Karlsson goal, and the Isles didn’t do much to respond after.

One of the few positives from the first period was the play by the top line of Andrew Ladd, John Tavares, and Josh Bailey, who were able to cycle around and made some fancy plays that gave a taste of what could come when these guys get used to each other.

Second Period of Firsts:

The second period was a different story, with the Islanders pressing much more and getting 13 shots on goal to the Sharks’ 7. Anthony Beauvillier got his first NHL goal, which is a great moment for one of the Isles’ most promising prospects.

Beauvillier’s first goal seemed to energize the team, and shortly after, Anders Lee got his first goal of the season. Jason Chimera had the assist, recording his first point as a New York Islander.

Cal Clutterbuck nearly changed the game and made it 3-1, but his wrist shot hit off the crossbar. On the other end, Tomas Hertl tied the game late in the second when a Joe Thornton pass deflected off his skate and past Jaroslav Halak for his first of the season.

Tavares also broke a stick on the power play, as he is known to do.

Sharks Bite:

Joe Pavelski deflected Thornton’s shot to give the Sharks the 3-2 lead with a little over 2 minutes remaining in the third period. Shortly after, the Islanders pulled Halak and earned a power play, but were unable to capitalize on the 6-on-4 as the Sharks held on for the win.

Up Next:

The Islanders host the Arizona Coyotes and Strome the Younger, who made his NHL debut tonight. There’s also a Stanley Cup banner rally towel giveaway at the Barclay’s Center for those who can make it. The Coyotes will be in Montreal the night before, so hopefully the Islanders will take advantage of a team on the second leg of a back-to-back next time.

For now, you can remind your friendly neighborhood Oilers fan that we have Barzal and Beauvillier and they.... do not.