Recap: Islanders' Four-Goal Third Sinks Canes In Game 3

ELMONT, NY. -The New York Islanders scored four times in the final 3:51 to take Game 3 from the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday.

The Story

As the series shifted to New York for the first time, there was a feeling going into tonight's contest that special teams would play a massive role in the contest.
Carolina was awarded six power play opportunities in Wednesday's Game 2 victory, while New York had zero. A topic of discussion post-game for those reasons, plus an additional uncalled slash breaking the hand of Canes forward Teuvo Teravainen, it made both the power play and penalty kill an even further point of emphasis.
And sure enough, in the first 10 minutes, special teams began to play a role.
Although there were just two penalties called in the opening frame, the biggest moment of the first period for the Canes was an Antti Raanta stop on Zach Parise in tight.

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Carolina's start as a whole was quality, with their forwards producing their best chances. However, their man advantage, unfortunately, set the tone for what would be a costly evening.
Unable to cash in then, or on their two chances in the first half of the second period, it provided a deflating feeling that was only furthered when New York claimed the first goal of the night.
Fewer than five minutes following the visitors' third failed power play bid, New York was able to take advantage in the Canes' end and claim the first playoff goal in UBS Arena history.
With momentum all in the favor of the home squad, they nearly added another in the seconds following their first tally, but a

kept the bleeding at just 1-0. It turned out to loom large just moments later because, with the Islanders on another power play, Carolina's penalty kill found a way to tie the game.

Sending the contest to the third tied at 1-1, it was anyone's game, all the way down to the final five minutes.
Carolina was forced to kill off two more penalties, but the levee broke on their next try. With Brady Skjei in the box for high-sticking, Kyle Palmieri tipped one past Raanta, serving as the game-winner.
It was the first of what would be a flurry of four tallies for New York, supplemented by a two-on-one tally from Matt Martin, an empty net goal from Scott Mayfield, and then a fifth and final marker by way of Anders Lee, mercifully ending the affair.
Things got feisty in the final minute of play as six misconducts were tossed out, but when the final horn sounded, it reflected a 5-1 Islanders victory and an 0/4 Carolina power play.

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They Said It

Jordan Martinookproviding his assessment of things...
"I thought we definitely had our chances, but then penalties kind of took over. Then you're killing and guys are getting out of rhythm. Obviously you're just trying to kill the penalties and get going again. It felt like as soon as we got going again we were back on the kill. We've got to look at some things and come back Sunday. I thought our first was good and we're going to need that again."
Jack Drurygiving his thoughts...
"Special teams was a big difference today. Our penalty kill did a great job and our power play has to try and score one there. We just have to find a way to get one in the net."

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Bonus Notes

• Jesse Puljujarvi stepped into the lineup with Teuvo Teravainen out (broken hand; out for series). Jack Drury skated on the team's top line next to Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis.
• Despite suffering the loss, Antti Raanta was stellar stopping 32 out of 36.
• Pyotr Kochetkov served as Raanta's backup. Rod Brind'Amour said pre-game that Frederik Andersen, who missed Game 2 due to illness, could have dressed if needed.
• When all was said and done the two teams combined for 78 penalty minutes and 71 hits.
• Game 5 will be Tuesday in Raleigh beginning at 7 p.m. ESPN and Bally Sports South will have the broadcast.

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What's Next?

The Canes will not practice on Saturday, but select players and coaches will meet with the media. Game 4 will start at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday at UBS Arena.
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