Islanders cool off Blues with early outburst
ST. LOUIS -- John Tavares ignited a three-goal flurry in the first period with his 13th goal of the season to send the New York Islanders to a 5-2 victory Saturday night over the St. Louis Blues.
Islanders coach Doug Weight ripped his team's effort after a 5-0 loss Friday night in Dallas and the team apparently took the criticism to heart, jumping out to a 3-0 lead less than 14 minutes into the game.
Tavares beat goalie Jake Allen when he was left alone in front of the net at 3:21. Casey Cizikas scored the second goal off a rebound at 10:07, followed by a goal from Jordan Eberle on a 2-on-1 break at 13:18.
The Islanders registered 12 shots on goal against Allen in the first period after managing only 14 shots total on Friday night. The Blues had allowed only six goals total in the first period in their previous 17 games this season.
Joshua Ho-Sang scored his first goal of the year 3:35 into the second period to increase the lead to 4-0 and chase Allen, who allowed the four goals on just 18 shots. Carter Hutton took over in net for the rest of the game.
Brayden Schenn broke the shutout with his fifth goal of the season at 11:31 of the second period, converting a pass from Jaden Schwartz. The Blues cut the lead to 4-2 on a goal by Scottie Upshall, which went off his skate and into the net 6:41 into the third period, but the Islanders responded with a goal by Anders Lee with 4:27 left.
Thomas Greiss stopped 35 shots for the Islanders.
It was only the second loss in regulation for the Blues in their last 12 games (9-2-1) and dropped their home record to 7-2-0.
NOTES: The Islanders inserted D Dennis Seidenberg and Adam Pelech into their lineup, scratching Thomas Hickey and Ryan Pulock. .... Islanders LW Anthony Beauvillier was scratched after suffering an ankle injury in the third period on Friday night. ... Blues LW Vladimir Sobotka skated in his 400th career game. ... The Blues hit the road for a three-game trip to western Canada, beginning Monday night in Calgary. ... The Islanders don't play again until Thursday night, when they will host Carolina.