The New York Islanders are not going home just yet. The Islanders pull off a double-overtime win against the Tampa Bay Lightning to force a game 6. I know I say this often, but this was possibly the most exciting game in 27 years for the Islanders. Being on the brink of elimination and facing a powerhouse team, the odds were all against the Isles. Somehow, someway the Islanders were able to win and stay in the bubble. There were three stars in yesterday’s win against the Lightning. This team needed to deliver, and that’s precisely what they did.
Semyon Varlamov
Semyon Varlamov stood on his head last night and propelled the Isles to a victory. Varlamov stopped 36 shots of the 37 that came his way. Varly’s best save came in the first overtime when Nikita Kucherov shot a wrister from above the left faceoff circle. Scott Mayfield was screening Varlamov unintentionally, and somehow Varly was able to go from left to right quick enough to stop the puck. Varlamov’s night was highlighted with his celebration slide into the pile-up around Jordan Eberle. If Varlamov continues to play like he did last night, the Isles will be hard to put away.
Jordan Eberle
I mean, finally, Jordan Eberle decided to actually play. Last year, Eberle was a top playoff performer as the Isles swept the Penguins in the first round. Eberle makes this list merely because of his game-winning goal. “The goal heard around the Island” is what I like to call it. The Islanders haven’t perfect at all during overtime in the bubble. But, that luck was bound to change. Eberle buried one on Vasy glove side and forces game 6.
Anders Lee
The Islanders’ captain did not want to leave Edmonton, and his play showed that. Anders Lee gave 110% last night, and the team followed. Anders Lee did the little things correctly, like marking his man, being physical down low, and winning the 1v1 battles. He also blocked a shot from the point after giving his stick to defenseman Scott Mayfield. 99 mph shot right to his knee. Eventually, all his hard work would pay off for him and his team as the Islanders got a 2v1. Lee outskated Sergachev and got a beautiful cross-crease pass to Eberle; the rest is history.
Conclusion
The Islanders are one win away from pushing a game 7. If the Isles force a game 7, well, it’s anyone’s series. The Islanders have all the momentum in the world, and the Lightning have a lot of doubt.