Nov 5, 2019; Brooklyn, NY, USA; The New York Islanders celebrate after defeating the Ottawa Senators at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
NHL: Ottawa Senators at New York Islanders
NEW YORK (77 WABC) – There was no over the top celebration or chest-beating in the New York Islanders dressing on Tuesday night.
No one would have blamed them after they defeated the Ottawa Senators 4-1 and picked up their 10th straight win, which is the second-longest winning streak in the franchises history. Instead, the Islanders focus has been on getting better after every game.
“I think 10 is a big milestone, but every single night we have a game plan,” Casey Cizikas said.” Our coaches are showing us every single day things we can get better at. Things that we can work on and areas where we can improve on. I think thats been the biggest thing.”
In a town where the local teams have been more disappointment than sensation, the Islanders are giving New York fans some hope. Tuesdays win was another example of the resilience the Islanders have shown over the 10-game stretch.
Despite falling behind 1-0 early in the game, the Islanders trailed for a mere 39 seconds before Cal Clutterbuck scored the equalizer in the first period.
“I think we had a so-so start in the first three or four minutes,” Clutterbuck said. “It was big for us to be able to come back and get one. Just to even it out and then you get the chance to look at each other and be like OK lets pick it up here.”
And thats what the Islanders did.
A penalty shot goal from Cole Bardreau – his first goal in the NHL – put the Islanders in front 2-1 at the end of the second period. A pair of goals 40 seconds apart from Cizikas and Josh Bailey in the third sealed the game.
“We just sort of look at it one game at a time,” Islanders coach Barry Trotz said about their winning ways. “If you guys wouldnt bring it up we wouldnt have a clue that we won any games. We just know that our next opponent is very good in (Pittsburgh) and after games were not having a big party. … Thats the great thing about this team, everyone understands that this league will humble you very quickly.”
