New York Islanders down baffled Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2 -NHL Update
Toronto continues to lose game after game at such a crucial time in the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season and now it just seems like they have given up. New York Islanders destroyed the Maple Leafs, 5-2, Tuesday night, March 20, 2012,
at the sold-out Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Maple Leafs are now at the 12th number spot in the Eastern Conference with 72 points, but are only eight points behind eighth place Washington Capitals. Seeing how they have eight games remaining till the hockey year comes to an end, Maple Leafs
can still make a run for it if they try.
"This is one of the most storied franchises in the sport," Toronto Maple Leafs head coach, Randy Carlyle, said. "We can't fault our fans for (their displeasure) in the way we played. They're allowed to do that and that's their right."
Phil Kessel got the first of the night and impressively, his 36th of the season as he avoided the check from a New York defenseman to fire the puck past Evgeni Nabokov midway through the opening period.
Josh Bailey answered right back for the Islanders with his 11th of the year at the 15:34 mark in a penalty-less period, forcing an intense second period competition with both teams heading in tied at 1-1.
Things did not change much from there on as Matthew Lombardi scored the tie-breaker but David Ullstrom of New York made the equaliser for Islanders yet again.
Toronto failed to repeat goals in the third and final period of regulation as New York found the gold opportunities with Matt Moulson firing off on the power play opportunity with Maple Leafs’ Matt Frattin on the bench.
P.A. Parenteau added the extension shot with less than five minutes to go and Moulson secured it with his second of the night at 18:25.
New York’s top rookie, John Tavares, picked up three assists during the matchup, definitely giving him something to be proud of.
"I just tried to get it on net, a couple of whacks. I know he is always there and I just wanted to push it, keep the puck loose and he is so good and just finding them and putting them in," said Tavares.
New York Islanders have won two in a row now and look to extend it to three going up against Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday.
Toronto Maple Leafs have lost two straight and have to rebound against New Jersey Devils on Friday for keeping some playoff hope alive.
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