Anders Nilsson stops Sean Couturier to seal a shootout win for the Islanders over the Flyers. (Photo Courtesy of ESPN.com)
So many times this season, the Philadelphia Flyers were trying to come from behind. Finally, on Monday, they were protecting a third-period lead.
But the New York Islanders fierce rally showed the Flyers what it's like on the other side. Two power-play goals helped the Islanders tie the game late. They would go on to claim a 4-3 win in a shootout at the Nassau Coliseum.
A first period full of scrappy play resulted in a no scoring through 20 minutes. In the second, both teams found a way to score.
Matt Read started the scoring early in the second with the Flyers shorthanded. His 12th goal of the season put the Flyers on the board.
The Islanders would answer on the power play with John Tavares picking up a loose puck in front.
The Flyers would regain the lead in similar fashion at even strength, with Wayne Simmonds finding a loose puck. Read added a second goal late in the period to give the Flyers a two-goal lead.
But the Islanders controlled the third period. First a power-play goal by Brock Nelson cut the lead to one. Finally, a late power play for the Islanders allowed them to get the equalizer, with Kyle Okposo scoring the goal.
After a scoreless overtime, the game moved to a shootout.
Frans Nielsen scored on the Islanders first shootout attempt. Vincent Lecavalier was stopped to close the first round.
Thomas Vanek was stopped by Emery in the second round, allowing Claude Giroux to tie the shootout with a goal.
In sudden death, Okposo opened the fourth round with a goal, again forcing the Flyers to score. Sean Couturier was stopped by Nilsson and the Islanders claimed the win.
That sent things to the final round. Tavares scored to open things, meaning Read would have to score to keep the game alive. He was able to sneak one through the five-hole of Anders Nilsson to extend the shootout.
Ray Emery made 40 saves in an excellent effort in regulation, despite taking the loss in the shootout. Read scored his sixth goal of the season against the Islanders.
Flyers forward Jake Voracek left the game with a hand injury in the third. He will be re-evaluate on Monday night upon the team's return to Philadelphia.
The Flyers are back in action tomorrow night at home against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Kevin Durso is the lead beat writer for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
