Stars 5, Islanders 0: Dallas shuts down the Isles

Yiiiiikes. The New York Islanders played a very bad game tonight, and the result certainly reflects that. Dallas’ John Klingberg dominated on the scoresheet in the first period, with a goal and two assists, and from then on it just went further downhill. Coach Doug Weight was obviously angry and disappointed in the team, saying that an adjustment the team can make is “to compete, and play like we give a crap about winning the game.” Hopefully we’ll see some positive adjustments and accountability after this. Anyway, here’s how it went down.

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First Period

The Islanders forgot to show up tonight, only taking 10 shot attempts in the entire period. They were badly outplayed and therefore badly outscored, down 3-0 by the end.

John Klingberg opened the scoring for the Dallas Stars, with a goal about a minute and a half into the game. The Islanders were on a power play after the Stars took a too many men penalty, but Anders Lee then took a tripping penalty that led to a four on four. Tyler Seguin won the faceoff, and then Klingberg was able to score. Gemel Smith then doubled the Stars’ lead, and Esa Lindell made it 3-0. Klingberg had a hand in all three of the goals.

Jaroslav Halak was notably bad in the period, especially on Lindell’s goal which was one that he’d like back. Halak’s been having about one of those a game, and it’s a worrying trend when you can’t rely on your goalie to make saves when you’re struggling.

Second Period

Despite a few good plays where Ben Bishop was called upon to make a save, the Isles conceded another goal, this time shorthanded. Josh Bailey tried to pass to John Tavares, but Tavares was out of position and the puck went to Mattias Janmark, who beat Halak in the slot. Poor playing by everyone tonight.

Notably, Jason Chimera believed he had scored a goal but did not, and yet turned away from the play to almost celebrate. It’s the kind of play that would probably get a rookie banished to the minors, so for all the talk about young players getting their shot over veterans if they merit it, it’s time to see that in action.

Jason Spezza also scored, making it 5-0 and ensuring that the third period wouldn’t be anything to watch for Isles fans.

Third Period

Pretty much nothing notable happened in this period as it was basically all garbage time down 5-0, and my roommate and I decided to start blasting Taylor Swift’s new album, which was a much better experience than this hockey game.

However, Anthony Beauvillier blocked two shots with his right leg in succession, and had to be helped off the ice. While he’ll earn some props in the locker room and it was definitely the hard play, it wasn’t necessarily the smart play down five goals and on a road trip.

Up Next

Next, the Islanders travel to St. Louis to face the Blues in the second half of their back to back. The Blues are 13-3-1, good for 1st in the central division and 2nd in the NHL. This will be a bigger challenge, but we’ll see how the team responds. Ideally, they’ll play like they give a crap.