So the Islanders earned their first three game winning streak of the season, completing a spectacular show of 65 minutes with phenomenal poise into the shootout. The Islanders were knocking on former goalie Roberto Luongo's door for the entire evening, and came ever so close to finishing off the Canucks in the second and again in the third periods, however; Luongo continued to prove why he is the league's top netminder. For awhile there last night, it seemed as if both Lunogo and Big Mac had magnetic chips in their equipment, smothering rubber all night.
The Canucks got on the board early in the game, which could have easily rattled Big Mac. However, it had the complete adverse effect. Big Mac allowed only one past him, 49 seconds into the game, and that was the only puck that the Islanders net would see, even during the shootout, for Big Mac had denied all three Canucks' attempts. Big Mac's record is now above .500 for the season for the first time, and his overall stats and more importantly, his confidence, growing with each effort. Hunter's tying goal, his eighth of the season, has pushed him into the team lead. It also seems as if Hunter has turned out his jet pack as of late, picking up key goals and finishing crucial hits. The Coliseum was electric last night, a vibe that hasn't really been felt there all season.
The Islanders face a long road trip ahead of them this week, and if they are to keep climbing the walls, closer to the top of the East's totem, they must continue the effective, small play they have been exhibiting over the last 2 weeks. They are 5-2-2in their last nine games, and another win or two can very easily suppress the slow start they had in October. And as for Bailey and Okposo, they are gaining experience with every shift, and last night both had key scoring chances and I wouldn't be surprised if either or both break out of their shells on the road this week.
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