ECQF Game 4 Recap: Pittsburgh Penguins Vs. New York Islanders: Isles Come Out On Top 6-4, Tie Series At 2

OVERALL RECAP

When this series began, I think it’s safe to say that no one expected the Isles to compete versus this very strong Penguins line-up. Well they have officially changed everyone’s mind. After getting dominated in the first game they have been in every game since then and some would argue they could have won the 3rd game of the series. Once again they played well in this 4th game. It was a back and forth game until the 3rd period. The Isles came out firing and won this game.

May 7, 2013; Uniondale, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie

(29) makes a save as New York Islanders left wing

(26) attempts to stuff the net during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Islanders won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The Islanders were first to open up the scoring as Kris Letang tried to clear the puck multiple times and Brian Strait was the one rewarded for it as he shot the puck through a bunch of players and found the back of the net to give the Islanders the 1-0 lead. Exactly 45 seconds later the Pens would equal the score as James Neal would score from a tough angle as he received the pass from his line-mate Evgeni Malkin.

GAME RECAP

The second period would begin with both clubs tied at one. While on the power play John Tavares and Brad Boyes were pushing the puck up the ice and shot the puck and Marc-Andre Fleury would give away a huge rebound right to Mark Streit who immediately took advantage to score his first of the playoffs to put the Isles back on top 2-1. The Pens would answer back with two goals from Evgeni Malkin and Brandon Sutter, with the 3-2 lead the Pens looked primed to keep scoring and take game 4. But the Isles weren’t ready to roll over and die as late in the period Kyle Okposo would tie it up at 3 to finish the period.

Pretty much as soon as the 3rd period began Pascal Dupuis, who is playing quite well, scored his fourth of the playoffs to take back the lead. But just like earlier the Isles would not quit as they came back with 3 consecutive goals to win the game. The last three goals came from Mark Streit, his second of the game, John Tavares and Casey Cizikas.

The Isles showed the Pens that they can keep up with them and also took advantage of Fleury scoring 6 times against him. Clearly they did a good enough job scoring against him as he won’t even be starting next game. It has already been reported that Thomas Vokoun will start in the next game.