This series started like everyone thought it would. The Penguins had no trouble dusting off the Islanders in Game 1, shutting them out 5-0 without Crosby in the lineup. Crosby's return in Game 2 seems like not much would change, but it did. After going down 3-1 within the first 8 minutes of the game, the Islanders began their climb back into the game. 2 second period goals helped them tie the game before Kyle Okposo scored midway though the third to give the Islanders the lead and, eventually, the win. The next two games were shootouts. The Islander started Game 3 with 2 early goals, then Pittsburgh stormed back with 2 quick goals of their own before ending the period with the lead. Pittsburgh added another goal in the second, then New York tied the game up with a 2-goal third period. Chris Kunitz ended the game just under 9 minutes into overtime on a powerplay goal, helping the Penguins regain the lead in the series. Game 4 spelled the end of Marc-Andre Fleury as the Penguins goalie was scored on 4 times (plus twice more on goals he re-directed in), and once again the series was tied. After that brutal performance, Tomas Vokoun started Game 5 for the Pens and proceeded to shut out the Islanders. Game 6 was a back-and-forth game on the score sheet, as Pittsburgh always found a way to tie the game after New York scored. In overtime, Brooks Orpik launched a shot from the point that beat Nabokov and ended the series. The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the New York Islanders, and are off to face the Ottawa Senators in Round 2.
Games
New York Islanders 0
Pittsburgh Penguins 5
New York Islanders 4
Pittsburgh Penguins 3
Pittsburgh Penguins 5 (OT)
New York Islanders 4
Pittsburgh Penguins 4
New York Islanders 6
New York Islanders 0
Pittsburgh Penguins 4
Pittsburgh Penguins 4 (OT)
New York Islanders 3
Three Thoughts On The Series
- It's amazing that both Fleury and Vokoun (ok, mostly Fleury) earned a shutout in this series.
- Kyle Okposo, Islander playoff beast.
- A ton of credit to the Islanders for not just making the playoffs, but winning a couple games against the Eastern Conference favourites.
You get an own goal in an international tournament and it becomes a habit. Just ask Fleury.
Play Of The Series
Crosby is really earning his statue with this goal.
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