The only thing bigger for the New York Islanders at MetLife Stadium on Sunday evening was the letdown blowing of another late lead as they lost in overtime to the New York Rangers at MetLife Stadium by a final of 6-5 in the NHL Stadium Series.
Leading by two with less than five minutes to play in regulation, the Islanders’ league-wost penalty kill once again buckled under pressure. Artemi Panarin quickly sent the pro-Ranger crowd into a frenzy with the game-winner in overtime, which survived an official review.
In the span of 2:50, the Islanders surrendered three goals to suffer their 14th overtime loss of the season and again leave a much needed-point on the table.
“It was a big game with a big atmosphere,” Mathew Barzal said.”Whether it was a point or no point. Sure, it’s nice in the standings, but it was a big game, and it was emotional, so it sucks not getting two.”
While the two teams were already playing at four-on-four, it was Barzal’s hooking penalty at 14:16 of the third that put the Islanders on their heels.
Facing a 5-3 deficit, Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette pulled goalie Igor Shesterkin, giving his team a five-on-three man advantage which Chris Kreider capitalized on by deflecting a Panarin shot from the point.
