Brock Nelson scored twice in the second period, helping the New York Islanders secure a 5-1 win over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night in what marked the final regular season game at Nassau Coliseum.
Mathew Barzal contributed a goal and an assist, while Jordan Eberle and Kyle Palmieri also found the back of the net for the Islanders. Goalie Ilya Sorokin made 23 saves as New York snapped a three-game losing streak, securing just its sixth regulation win in the last 23 games.
“It’s a step in the right direction,” said Islanders coach Barry Trotz. “Our veteran group focused on our own game, and we executed well.”
With this victory, the Islanders moved within one point of third-place Boston in the East Division. New York will face the Bruins in Boston on Monday night as they prepare for a first-round playoff matchup against either Pittsburgh or Washington.
“We’re in tune-up mode,” Eberle noted. “We’re finding our game and want to be at our best heading into the playoffs.”
Andreas Johnsson scored the lone goal for New Jersey, while Mackenzie Blackwood recorded 22 saves. The Devils have now lost just two of their last seven games.
Eberle opened the scoring late in the first period, finishing off a give-and-go play with Barzal to net his 16th goal of the season. The Devils had a chance to equalize just before the first intermission, but Sorokin denied Miles Wood on a breakaway.
Despite an early second-period power play for New Jersey, they couldn’t capitalize on the 4-on-3 advantage. The Islanders’ penalty kill, which ranks second in the NHL this season, was perfect on the night, going 2-for-2.
Johnsson tied the game for the Devils five minutes into the second period, scoring his fifth goal of the season off a pass from Matt Tennyson.
“It wasn’t our best game,” Johnsson admitted. “We didn’t skate for each other or create enough opportunities. They did a good job, and we didn’t respond.”
Nelson restored the Islanders’ lead midway through the second period, scoring on a rebound just 15 seconds after a Devils penalty. He added another goal less than four minutes later, finishing off a pass from Josh Bailey for his 18th of the season.
New York extended its lead with two quick goals early in the third period. Palmieri, scoring his first goal against his former team since being traded to the Islanders, made it 4-1 on a breakaway. Moments later, Barzal capped the scoring with his 16th goal on a 2-on-1 rush.
“Throughout the night, all four lines were generating chances,” Palmieri said. “It was nice to contribute and get one in.”
Regular Season Farewell to Nassau Coliseum
Saturday’s game was the Islanders’ final regular season contest at Nassau Coliseum, where they’ve played since their inception in 1972. The team is set to move to the new UBS Arena at Belmont Park next season. The Islanders finished their home schedule with a strong 21-4-3 record.
“We wanted to end on a high note,” Eberle said. “This building has so much history, and it’s been home to some great teams and moments.”
Devil’s Injury Updates
Johnsson and Wood returned to the Devils’ lineup after recovering from injuries. Johnsson had missed six games with a lower-body injury, while Wood was out for one game with an upper-body injury. Tyce Thompson and Marian Studenic were scratched to make room.
COVID-19 Impact on Devils’ Roster
Jonas Siegenthaler returned to the Devils’ lineup after missing eight games due to COVID-19. Meanwhile, the team announced that P.K. Subban, who has been out since April 18 due to COVID-19, will not play again this season.
Islanders Resting Players
The Islanders continued to rest key players in preparation for the playoffs. Cal Clutterbuck was a healthy scratch, while Eberle, Leo Komarov, and Andy Greene returned to the lineup after sitting out Thursday’s game against the Devils.
Up Next:
- Devils: Visit Philadelphia on Monday night to close out the season.
- Islanders: Travel to Boston on Monday night for their regular-season finale.
