Will.Pesek

"New York Isles"

United States •

Isles edge Rangers 4-2

It was the type of atmosphere, that the Isles had in the first and second rounds of the playoffs last year, and they did not let down their fans. The Isles advanced to 4-0-1 in in their last 5 games and starting to play like a playoff team. In the 5 game point streak the Isles went from 6-10-4 to 10-10-5 making their presence felt in the league again.

The day started out in Bridgeport for Scott Mayfield and ended in Brooklyn, as Mayfield was called up to replace defenseman Johnny Boychuk who has the flu. A little note: Mayfield was sent down to Bridgeport following a 2 assist game vs the Penguins, not to long ago. Mayfield got the Isles on the board in this one, 1-0. But quickly after that, Brock Nelson got a four minute penalty for high sticking, a double minor, who checked high on Rangers forward Matt Puempel. Puempel did not return, he had a concussion as he was forced to leave the ice due to the new concussion protocol. The Rangers were firing shots on all angles in the first period's 4 minute powerplay, but Jaroslav Halak was nothing short of sensational, stopping 9 out of 9 shots on the PK. He did recieve some help from Travis Hamonic, who made a nice "kick save" in the crease while Halak was down and out. When the penalty expired, Jason Chimera steamed ahead forming an odd man rush with Nelson, exiting the box. Chimera had a nice pass to Nelson, who took the shot which deflected off of Chimera's shin pad to increase the Isles lead to 2.

The Rangers wasted no time in the second, Jimmy Vesey, tallied his ninth of the year to cut the deficit to 1. That didn't last long as 1:14 later Andrew Ladd made it 3-1 Isles. Now, the fans were exchanging chants. Things were heating up, tempers were flaring. Which was expected for the most biggest rivalry in professional sports. But Marc Staal made sure the Isles weren't partying yet as he made it 3-2 on some nifty passing by the Rangers on their 4 on 2 odd man rush.

Finally, in the third, the Isles got rewarded with their first PP, and All-star center-man John Tavares buried the goal to seal the deal as the Isles won 4-2 over the Rangers. The main story was Jaroslav Halak and the Penalty Kill as they killed off a 4 minute PP and a 5 on 3 in the end of the game, and Jaro Halak stood on his head to ensure the victory.

The Isles prepare for the Blues who come into town on Thursday.