Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009

Recap: NY Islanders vs. NY Rangers

John Tavares notched a third-period insurance goal and Dwayne Roloson stopped 34 shots as the New York Islanders downed the New York Rangers, 3-1, at Nassau Coliseum.

Matt Moulson and Kyle Okposo also tallied for the Islanders, who snapped a three-game losing streak.

P.A. Parenteau provided the only offense for the Rangers, who have dropped four of five. Henrik Lundqvist took the loss after allowing three goals on 32 shots.

Tavares put the Islanders ahead by two with 5:06 left in regulation, taking Jeff Tambellini's flub from along the goal line and sneaking a second-chance shot home to the far post.

"The bounces haven't been going our way the last few games, but to finally come through like that it's great," said Tavares. "It's nice to come in a win like this."

The Isles killed off an interference minor to defenseman Radek Martinek with 4:22 to play, and the Rangers' best chance to score with Lundqvist pulled for an extra skater came with 45 seconds to play, but Sean Avery whiffed at a half-open net from the right side.

A turnover in the neutral zone cost the Rangers the first goal of the game, as Jack Hillen stripped a defender and fed ahead for Moulson, who beat Lundqvist on a breakaway at 55 seconds. Parenteau then picked up his first career score on a backhander in the high slot at 8:30 for a 1-1 tie.

Okposo broke the deadlock with 1:46 to play in the second period, sweeping home a rebound while the Isles were on a power play.

"They came out swinging," Parenteau said of the Isles. "We came back and made some plays, but they outplayed us tonight."

Game Notes