The Islanders have been trying to reconnect with their identity for quite some time.
It may have taken a four-month hiatus from the NHL …
The Islanders have been trying to reconnect with their identity for quite some time. It may have taken a four-month hiatus from the NHL because of a global pandemic to shake off the seven-game losing streak they finished the 2019-20 season on, to have their roster’s health fully restored and to reignite the faith they have in their team, but it appears the Islanders may have finally found it again. The Islanders defeated the Panthers 2-1 Saturday evening at Scotiabank Arena to secure Game 1 of the best-of-five qualifying round in Toronto, behind a 27-save performance from goaltender Semyon Varlamov. The Islanders’ middle six forwards rose to the occasion, with Anthony Beauvillier and J-G Pageau chipping in a goal each and combining for eight shots on goal. It looked like the Islanders’ brand of hockey, not the Panthers’.
