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Islanders Back-to-Back News: Barzal dazzled yesterday; what’s in store today?

After beating the Sabres 5–2 twice in a row, the Isles hope for a similar result on national TV.

By Steven E. Smith

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Buffalo Sabres v New York Islanders
The reverse retros are growing on me—for what they are, of course.
Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The Islanders and the Sabres close out their three-game series today at high noon on NBC.

The series finale kicks off Hockey Day in America—NBCSN will broadcast three more games throughout the afternoon and into the evening: Lightning–Blackhawks at 2:30; Devils–Bruins at 5:00; and Rangers–Penguins at 7:30.

The Isles prevailed over the Sabres by a score of 5–2 in each of the first two games of the set, though they took a different route to get there. Thursday night was a 60-minute domination of Buffalo, while yesterday afternoon was a 40-minute domination. What will today’s matinee bring?

FIG Picks go here.

Islanders News

Recaps:

  • A sluggish start was overcome in the second period. [LHH]
  • Mostly overcome with a spark from Mathew Barzal’s highlight-reel goal. [Newsday]

Let’s see it again, courtesy of SportsCenter:

  • Five takeaways from the game, including Barzal. [Islanders]
  • Sabres had the early jump but not the staying power. [NHL]
  • Put another way, they collapsed in the second period. [Buffalo News]
  • Plenty of interesting stuff about giving up a goal in the first minute and giving it up to someone looking for their first NHL goal. [NYI Skinny]

Moving on. . .

  • The team site previews today’s game.
  • After the win, the Isles are now 9-0-2 at the Coliseum. [Newsday]
  • The game was the debut of the reverse retro. [Islanders]
  • The Islanders posted a cartoon that includes its legends and fan favorites hidden inside. [NHL]
  • Arthur Staple took the time last night to rank all of Barzal’s goals this season. You know which one went no. 1.
  • On top of hosting the Islanders, Nassau Coliseum will also begin to serve as a vaccination site. [Newsday]

Elsewhere

Yesterday’s NHL scores included the Rangers beating the Devils in an offensive duel and the Penguins besting the Flyers in a back-and-forth affair.

  • Tom Wilson was offered an “in-person” hearing via Zoom, meaning his suspension was going to be at least five games. [NHL] He received seven games. [NHL Video]
  • Brandon Carlo, at least, was released from the hospital. [NHL]
  • But the Bruins, like most of us, are just sick of Wilson’s bullshit. [The Athletic]
  • After last night, the Sabres are reportedly “wide-open” for business. [Sportsnet Video]
  • Darryl Sutter took the Flames job because he feels that he has “unfinished business” in Calgary. That 2004 Stanley Cup Final loss still stings. [NHL] From yesterday, his new players hope the hiring works out. [NHL]
  • Meanwhile, in Vancouver, the Canucks have no plans to oust Travis Green and, in fact, want to sign him to an extension. Maybe he’s not a gutless puke after all. [NHL]
  • Vladimir Tarasenko made his season debut last night against the Kings. [NHL]

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