For the Islanders, Brock Nelson scored twice. His first goal came on the power play in the final minute of the first period and was the first Islanders goal in franchise history at UBS Arena. Nelson also scored an even strength marker early in the third period.
For Calgary, Brad Richardson scored at even strength, Andrew Mangiapane scored twice on the power play and Trevor Lewis and Johnny Gaudreau added empty-net goals.
Semyon Varlamov made 26 saves on 29 shots for the Islanders.
Jacob Markstrom made 34 saves on 36 shots for the Flames.
THE SCORING:
First Period:
4:05 - CGY 1, NYI 0 -Brad Richardson intercepted a pass and beat Semyon Varlamov to give Calgary a 1-0 lead.
13:18 - CGY 2, NYI 1, PPG -Andrew Mangiapane doubled Calgary's lead 2-0 as he converted on the power play. Noah Hanifin and Johnny Gaudreau earned the assists on the goal.
19:37 - NYI 1, CGY 2, PPG - Brock Nelson scored the Islanders' first goal in franchise history for the Islanders on the power play. Richard Panik and Kyle Palmieri notched the assists.
Second Period:
6:43 - CGY 3, NYI 1, PPG -Andrew Mangiapane scored Calgary's third goal of the game and second goal on the power play. Noah Hanifin and Mikael Backlund recorded the assists.
Third Period:
1:49 - NYI 2, CGY 3 - Brock Nelson scored his second goal of the game as he buried a Calgary turnover from the low slot.
18:45 - CGY 4, NYI 2, ENG - Trevor Lewis scored an unassisted goal on the Islanders' empty net as they took Varlamov off in exchange for an extra skater.
19:22 - CGY 5, NYI 2, ENG - Johnny Gaudreau extended Calgary's lead to 5-2 as he scored on the empty Islanders' net.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
The Islanders were 1-for-6 on the power play and 2-for-4 on the penalty kill.
The Flames were 2-for-4 on the power play and 5-for-6 on the penalty kill.
GOALTENDING BATTLE:
Semyon Varlamov made 26 saves on 29 shots for the Islanders.
Jacob Markstrom made 34 saves on 36 shots for the Flames.
NOTEBOOK:
After starting the season with a record-setting 13-game road trip, the Islanders played their first ever game in their home opener at UBS Arena on Saturday… The Islanders were without Josh Bailey, Anders Lee, Ross Johnston, Adam Pelech, Andy Greene and Anthony Beauvillier, who were all placed in COVID-19 protocol ahead of the game. With an abundance of vacancies in the lineup, the Islanders recalled forwards Richard Panik and Andy Andreoff and defensemen Robin Salo, Grant Hutton and Paul LaDue from their AHL affiliate the Bridgeport Islanders. Salo and Hutton both made their NHL debuts… Brock Nelson scored the first goal in franchise history at UBS Arena. He also scored another goal in the third period and now leads the team with nine goals this season… Semyon Varlarmov made his third start of the season.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME:
Video: CGY@NYI: Nelson scores his 2nd of the game in close
IMAGE OF THE GAME:
NEXT GAME:
The Islanders return to UBS Arena on Sunday night for the second leg of their Opening Weekend back-to-back set as they host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
