3 Takeaways: Islanders Find Identity in 3-1 Win over Bruins

The New York Islanders knew from experience that teams would not take it easy on them despite icing a COVID-depleted roster at the end of November. With the Boston Bruins reeling from seven players in protocols - including Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, Jeremy Swayman and Craig Smith - the Islanders took advantage of the situation, pouncing on an undermanned team and scoring a 3-1 win at UBS Arena.
"We really didn't change our focus, they still have a very good team over there," Josh Bailey said. "It was just 'let's go out there and work' and try to make sure we outwork them and found a way to get a win we needed tonight."
Semyon Varlamov made 40 saves for his first win of the season, while Cal Clutterbuck (2G) and Anthony Beauvillier (PPG) scored for the Islanders. Linus Ullmark allowed two goals for sixth-straight game, with Mike Reilly recording the lone Bruins tally in the final minute.

The win was the Islanders second straight at UBS Arena and more importantly, they picked up two points in regulation from a team they're chasing in the standings. The win did come at a cost as Kyle Palmieri left the game in the second period with a lower-body injury and did not return.
Here are three takeaways from a businesslike win over the Bs.

Video: Clutterbuck, Varlamov lead Islanders by Bruins, 3-1

VARLAMOV GETS FIRST VICTORY OF THE SEASON:

Semyon Varlamov usually doesn't let on if a game has any personal significance, but the 33-year-old couldn't help but admit how he felt about his first win of the season.
"It feels great," Varlamov said. "It's been a long time when I won my last game, so first win for me, feels amazing, finally. I had a tough stretch, but it's over, so I'm happy for the team and we get two points today and I'm happy with myself."
Varlamov stopped 40-of-41 on the evening, but needed some time to settle into Thursday's contest. He looked a little awkward on Taylor Hall's first shot of the game, and misplaying a puck later in the period, but steadily improved.
The veteran netminder was especially good in the second period, stopping all 21 shots he saw, including a speedy drive down the wing and across the crease by Karson Kuhlman. Varlamov also came up with a rather large pad save on a David Pastrnak deke towards the end of the second period, one of his seven saves on Pastrnak in the game.

Varlamov was also good in the third period, helping keep a late Bruins' push at bay, sprawling out to stop Taylor Hall at the side of the net with three minutes to go. It almost felt unjust for such a good game for the Islanders goaltender to end on a late goal, as Mike Reilly beat Varlamov with a wrister from the half wall with 53 seconds to play.
For Varlamov, the win snapped a six-game winless stretch to start the season, a start that came after an injury sidelined him for training camp and the start of the year. He said he felt good about his game even if his record didn't reflect it, but now he's looking for the results to match.
"He stood on his head tonight and gave us a chance to win," Beauvillier said. "I'm sure he feels good about that and I'm happy for him. He's been playing well, but just hasn't gotten the results, so we're happy for him."

BEAUVILLIER BREAKS OUT:

Anthony Beauvillier scored an important goal for the Islanders on Thursday night - and even more important one for himself.
With the Islanders on the power play in the second period, Beauvillier took a pass from Robin Salo - who earned his first NHL point on the play - skated to the top of the circle and stepped into a slap shot that beat a screened Linus Ullmark to put the Isles up 2-0.
The goal was Beauvillier's first since Oct. 30, snapping a 15-game goal drought, 16 games if you include a healthy scratch vs New Jersey. It also held up as the eventual game-winner.
"I've been grinding to find my game lately, but the last few games have been good, definitely a wakeup call and seeing the positive of it," Beauvillier said. "Just go out there and play and try to win battles and win games."
Beauvillier has looked motivated since being a healthy scratch on Saturday. The 24-year-old hustled to break up a two-on-one rush against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night and had a host of scoring chances in the Islanders 2-1 loss. The inspired play continued on Thursday, as Beauvillier tied JG Pageau with a team-high four shots on goal.
Beauvillier's goal was his fourth of the season.

IDENTITY LINE FINDS ITS IDENTITY:

Earlier in the week, Barry Trotz said he wanted to see the Matt Martin, Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck line return to form and on Thursday night, the trio played to its identity.
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"The Identity Line was playing to their identity," Trotz said. "They were physical, they got rewarded, Clutterbuck had two goals tonight and could have had a third if he just had an inch or two left or right of the post."
Clutterbuck opened the scoring in the first period, skating into the slot undetected while Cizikas and Martin forechecked behind the net, creating enough chaos for Brandon Carlo to turn the puck over in front. Clutterbuck made no mistake in tight, roofing a shot past Linus Ullmark for the game's first score.
The line was physical with the COVID-depleted Bruins, racking up eight hits between the trio.
Martin even dropped the gloves with Nick Foligno in the second period, marking his third tilt of the season - tied with Zdeno Chara for most on the team - and 11th Islanders fight of the year. To put it in perspective, the Islanders only had five fighting majors in the entirety of 2020-21's 56-game campaign.
Trotz rewarded the line for its strong play by putting them out for a defensive zone draw with 3:03 to play and the Islanders protecting a 2-0 lead. Forty-six seconds - and two icings - later, Clutterbuck iced the game with an empty-netter with 2:17 to play.

NEXT GAME:

The Islanders take on the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.