The Devils snapped Semyon Varlamov’s shutout streak, but Jordan Eberle and the Islanders’ first line helped them down the Devils Thursday at Nassau Coliseum.

Nathan Bastian scored early in the second period for New Jersey, ending Varlamov’s streak of over 140 minutes without allowing a goal. However, the Devils couldn’t overcome first period goals from Mat Barzal and Jordan Eberle, as well as two more in the third, and the Islanders won 4-1. Mat Barzal was also extremely involved, picking up a goal and two assists.

Mat Barzal struck not even five minutes into the game. He sped into the offensive zone and ripped a shot top corner behind Scott Wedgewood. Then, with under a minute left to play in the frame, Barzal’s strong backcheck sprung Anders Lee, who then found an open Eberle in the slot. His backhand fooled Wedgewood and the Islanders took control of the game.

🚨 EBERLE WITH BACKHAND! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/tFCsIKP3I9

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) January 22, 2021

But despite taking the loss, Wedgewood still played strong in a surprise start for New Jersey. MacKenzie Blackwood was supposed to start, but the Devils placed him on the COVID-19 protocol list hours before puck drop.

Wedgewood made two big saves in the second period. One came on a rebound that Brock Nelson shot to his blocker side. Wedgewood, slid over a stoned Nelson. Then he stoned Matt Martin on a two-on-one to keep his team in the game.

Then late in the second, Nelson took a scary fall. Chasing a puck in the offensive zone, he tripped and hit P.K. Subban’s leg. It appeared that his helmet visor cut him above his eye and he left the ice for some stitches. But he returned unharmed in the third period and scored a deflection goal on the power play to give the Isles’ a three goal lead.

The Islanders’ third goal came a few minutes earlier when Jordan Eberle also scored on the power play from an impossible angle. Barzal assisted on the play and now has four points in four games played this season.

🥳 ADD IT TO THE WIN COLUMN! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/85qoBmurxH

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) January 22, 2021

Noah Dobson also showcased his offensive prowess. He recorded his first multi-point game of his career, assisting on Barzal’s goal in the first period and Nelson’s power play marker in the third.

Despite his shutout streak coming to an end, Varlamov had another strong game in net. He made 30 saves on 31 shots and remains undefeated in 2021.

The Islanders travel to Newark to face the Devils again on Sunday at 7 p.m. Pregame coverage kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on MSG+ 2.

Ben Baruch

Born and raised on Long Island. Isles fan since 2009. Studying journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park.