Game Recap: Panthers 3, Islanders 2 OT

The New York Islanders let a point slip away on Wednesday night, falling 3-2 in overtime to the Florida Panthers at Barclays Center.
Brock Nelson and Jordan Eberle had the Islanders up 2-0 heading into the third period, but the Panthers mounted a comeback that culminated in Mike Hoffman's OT winner 33 seconds into the extra frame. It was a frustrating setback for the Islanders (3-4-1), one that caused Head Coach Barry Trotz to look inward.
"We did it to ourselves a little bit," Trotz said. "We took some penalties, had some turnovers... We just weren't on our toes enough unfortunately in the third. You don't want to sit back when you have the lead."

The Panthers' power play went 2-for-5 on Wednesday night, which included the OT winner on a 4-on-3 man advantage. The Islanders gave the Panthers ample power-play opportunities late, taking four penalties in the third period.
The most consequential penalty came with 1:25 to play in the third, as an interference call against Mathew Barzal negated a late Islanders power play and gave the Panthers a man advantage to start overtime.
"The turning point to me is we get a power play late and they switch it the other way," Eberle said. "We didn't make it easy on ourselves. Any time you put a desperate team on the man advantage they're going to get chances."
The Islanders started well on Wednesday, largely limiting the Panthers high-danger chances while taking a 1-0 lead on Nelson's third of the season. Nelson's goal wasn't his prettiest, as a wide shot deflected off Mike Matheson's stick, then Vincent Trocheck's skate and just inched over the Panthers line before Aaron Ekblad could sweep it out.

Eberle made it 2-0 midway through the second period, one-timing a feed from Barzal past James Reimer (20 saves) for a power-play goal at 11:42. The goal was Eberle's first of the season and snapped a 16-game drought dating back to March 20.
From there, the ice began to tilt in Florida's favor. Frank Vatrano made it 2-1 early in the third, chipping a power-play goal past Robin Lehner (38 saves) at 2:46. Evgenii Dadonov found some time and space in the slot and snapped the tying goal past Lehner at 10:35 of the third. Overall, the Panthers outshot the Islanders 15-6 in the third period and overtime.
"We have to learn how to win with the lead," said Eberle, whose redirection off an Adam Pelech point shot was one of the Isles best chances late. "We're a team that's learning structurally. I think we are better structurally, but there are moments in the game, third period with the lead, you need to find a way to win the game."

ISLANDERS HONOR CHARLES B. WANG:

The New York Islanders paid tribute to late owner Charles B. Wang before Wednesday's game. The team aired a video tribute and held a moment of silence for Wang, who passed away on Sunday at 74. The Islanders also debuted a jersey patch with Wang's initials "CBW" that they'll wear for the rest of the season.

See more of the Islanders tributes to Charles B. Wang
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NEXT GAME:

The Islanders head back out on a three-game trip beginning on Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia. Puck drop is 1 p.m.