The Islanders fans have gotten what they’ve asked for… a beat down on the Toronto Maple Leafs.
It all started in the first period.  Valtteri Filppula scored a highlight reel goal, splitting the Toronto defensemen and flipping the puck over Garret Sparks’ shoulder to give the Isles an early 1-0 lead.
Then, in the second period, it was the Mat Barzal show as he scored a natural hat trick for his second hat trick in his career.  His first of the night was a tip-in off of a shot from Johnny Boychuk.  Then, on the power play, Nick Leddy found Barzal on the top of the left circle for a one-timer that found the back of the net.  Five minutes later, Barzal nets his third of the night on a two-0n-one with Anthony Beauvillier.
In the third period, the Islanders were on their heels for a bit but continued to shut down the Leafs.
The Islanders played a very good defensive game tonight, allowing nothing to get by them and giving the Maple Leafs no time and space.  Robin Lehner also was solid between the pipes stopping all 36 shots.
On New Year’s Eve, the Islanders look to close out 2018 on a four-game winning streak as they take on a strong Buffalo Sabres team.
Stats from Tonight:
Islanders 4-Maple Leafs 0
SOG: Islanders 28-Maple Leafs 36
PP: Islanders 1/5-Maple Leafs 0/2
SV%: Robin Lehner 1.000-Garret Sparks .857
Stars of the Game:
1st:  Mathew Barzal (3G, 0A, 3P)
2nd:  Robin Lehner (1.000, 36/36)
3rd:  Ryan Pulock (0G, 2A, 2P)