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Islanders News: You win some, you win some ugly

Robin Lehner held the fort, while the Blues’ goalie did not, so the happy times continue.

By Dominik
NHL: New York Islanders at St. Louis Blues
You were the hero and you deserve a rest.
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

The Islanders strolled into St. Louis — where the Blues, despite their record but reflective of their roster, sometimes play good teams well — and...the Isles were not at their best. Not at all.

But one of the things that has destabilized the Blues this season is fragility...something always breaks down. One or two of the goals conceded by Jake Allen were, um, not so great, and they undermined a strong Blues effort while allowing the Islanders to keep on rolling despite a subpar effort.

Two goals from the Isles 11 seconds apart changed everything, and a five-game win streak was extended to six. (They also dodged a bullet when Vladimir Tarasenko’s kicked goal was called off, with what would have tied the game. #VanekOTkarma)

You can trust that I rubbed salt in some wounds last night.

Islanders Reading

About last night: the Isles stole one, and they know it. “We won with good goaltending, we won with playing one period.” “Our skill guys wanted to play a game that was not presented tonight.” “This is a bit of a red flag, hopefully it’s a wakeup call.”:

  • Recaps from Steve and more [LHH | NHL | Newsday | Isles | STLtoday | NYI Skinny (career-best 7-game streak for Lehner)]
  • Unfortunately, the Sound Tigers for the first time all season are not rolling. Winless in three straight for the first time, but still at their best halfway point record in a decade. And Otto Koivula scored in his fifth straight. [CT Post | BST | Live blog at Soundin’ Off]
  • Though he makes his home in Denver, it was a homecoming for St. Louis-raised Scott Mayfield, who says he and Devon Toews have helped each other. [Newsday]
  • These are the five puppies working for NHL teams, including both teams last night. [RMNB]
  • Those who have been there are telling Mathew Barzal to make the All-Star game a joyous experience. [Newsday]

Robin Lehner was all, “Hey, it’s fine, I got this, we can do this (but it was hard).” He said he felt the best he felt all season:

Words with Butch: “Pinching”

Elsewhere

Last night’s NHL scores include the Kings winning with 300 milestones from Anze Kopitar (goals) and Jonathan Quick (wins).

  • The USA’s WJC dream ended with a controversial overturned goal call and a late winner for gold medalist Finland. [TSN Video | IIHF]
  • Huge if true: The IIHF may change to NHL-sized rinks. [TSN]
  • Russia took third place in the bronze medal game. [NHL]
  • Relatively good news for the Canucks: Petterson’s sprained knee may only be a two-week absence. [NHL]
  • But the Jets will be without Nikolaj Ehlers until mid-February. Injuries to really talented players make me sad. [TSN]

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