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Predators 4, Islanders 3: Good effort, mistaken result

Key players get their first goals, but Greiss couldn’t save them this time.

Nashville Predators v New York Islanders
But hard to play against.
Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The New York Islanders lost their home opener to the Cup contending Nashville Predators, 4-3, but the bright side on this night is they put in a better, more cohesive effort than their season-opening win in Raleigh.

Basically, they played from a goal or two behind all night, but consistently carved their way back. Mathew Barzal (tying it at 1-1), The Handsome Valtteri Filppula (tying it at 2-2), and new captain Anders Lee (to pull them to 4-3) chipped in the goals. Viktor Arvidsson’s two goals led the Predators.

But the third period began with Nashville leading 4-3, and the visitors held on for the victory.

Thomas Greiss made just 19 saves on 23 shots — not his fault for the loss, but that turn of fortune may be enough to give Robin Lehner a start Monday after Greiss earned a second consecutive start with his outstanding 45-save performance in Raleigh.

[Game Sum | Event Sum | Natural Stat Trick | HockeyViz | Corsica | On the Forecheck]

But We Liked Our Game

Seriously, the Islanders’ effort and cohesion was much closer to what Barry Trotz was looking for. I know people hated to hear that under Jack Capuano, but it’s a fact that sometimes you can play well and lose, just like you can play poorly and win (see: opening night in Raleigh).

They’re back at it Monday afternoon for a holiday matinee at home against the Sharks.