Islanders Takeaways from Game One Win Over Rangers
In the first game of the Battle of New York, the New York Islanders earned their first win of the season, beating the New York Rangers 4-0. Behind their goalie Semyon Varlamov, who had 24 saves, and strong play from the entire team, the Islanders were able to make easy work of their cross-town rivals.
The Islanders offense came alive in the first game of the season. Right off the start “BROCK-UARY” was in full effect when Brock Nelson scored in the opening minutes. Approximately one minute after, Anders Lee scored his first of the night putting the Islanders up 2-0. The third goal was from none other than the newly re-signed Mat Barzal. Barzal looked incredible last night and had everyone pumped up and ready to go. The fourth goal came from Lee, who scored his second of the night.
Noah Dobson Shines
Islanders Noah Dobson played an outstanding game. He was on the ice for more than 20 minutes. He looked like he had been playing in the NHL for multiple years; meanwhile, he was only drafted in 2018. He had one assist and three blocks.
“He’s got all the skill set and he’s going to be a hell of a player,” said Islanders forward Jordan Eberle.
Oh Captain, My Captain
Off to a hot start from the first horn, Lee picked up two goals. The first goal came immediately after Lee suffered a stick to the face. He also picked up a big power-play goal.
His powerplay goal came after an incredible pass from Eberle, where he just got his stick in to tap the puck into the net. This was a turnaround from last year where Lee only had 7 percent shooting efficiency on the power-play.
The Islanders must capitalize more on power-plays this year if they hope to continue moving forward. Lee played tough hockey all night and showed everyone why we call him “captain.”
Rangers Woes
The New York Rangers did not play their best game yesterday getting shutout by the Islanders. Rangers defenseman Tony DeAngelo had a rough night. At the end of the game, DeAngelo had an unsportsmanlike penalty called on him. This happened moments after he received a holding call. On his way to the box, DeAngelo mouthed off to the refs and slammed the door which prompted the penalty.
Tony DeAngelo doesn’t have Twitter, so he is taking his anger out on the penalty box door.
— Drive4Five – Islanders (@Drive4Five_) January 15, 2021
The next game for each of these teams will be on Saturday, Jan. 16 when once again the Rangers will host the Islanders in the second of eight contests this season.
