Recap: Devils 2, Islanders 1

The New York Islanders winless streak extended to three games on Saturday, as the Islanders fell 2-1 to the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center.
The Islanders led 1-0 going into the third period, but gave up a pair of goals to Kyle Palmieri to fall to 0-2-1 in their last three games.
Here are three takeaways from Saturday's loss:

Video: NYI Recap: Eberle scores in loss to Devils

1. ISLES LOSE LEAD IN THE THIRD:

Jordan Eberle had the Islanders up 1-0 heading into the third period, but the Isles couldn't find the second goal to put the Devils away, as Kyle Palmieri scored a pair of goals to lead the New Jersey comeback.
"It was a playoff-style hockey game, it was really tight out there and there wasn't a lot of space," Eberle said. "They just found a way to capitalize on a couple more chances and we didn't."
Palmieri scored his first goal off the rush, taking advantage of an Islanders turnover at the Devils blue line, racing up the ice before cutting to the slot and beating Jaroslav Halak (31 saves) high glove side at 6:35.

BOXSCORE - PHOTO GALLERY

His second came off a backdoor deflection, tipping in a Sami Vatanen point shot past Halak for the eventual winner at 11:11.
"I was a hair late tying up his stick and unfortunately he got it," captain John Tavares said taking responsibility for the goal after the game. "I have to have my guy."
The Islanders had a pair of power plays in the third period, including one with 5:14 to play, but came up empty on both. They laid a siege with their net empty in the final two minutes of the game, but couldn't solve Keith Kinkaid (30 saves). Eberle had perhaps the Isles best chance, but his sharp-angled one-timer was gloved by the Devils netminder.
Saturday marked the second straight game the Islanders surrendered a third period lead.
"It's a tough way to lose," Head Coach Doug Weight said. "But we have to find a way to get results."

2. STANDINGS IMPLICATIONS:

With the regulation loss, the Islanders (65 points) lost ground on both the Devils (72 points) and the Columbus Blue Jackets (67 points) in the Eastern Conference standings.
"We had a real opportunity here to start moving up and to give up a game like that it knocks you back a little bit," Eberle said. "It's frustrating, but we have to find a way to pick ourselves up here and keep going."
The Devils, who own the first wild card berth, widened the gap to seven points between the clubs, while the Blue Jackets, who are in the second wild card, beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 to break out of a tie with the Islanders.
The Carolina Hurricanes (64 points) fell 3-1 to the Detroit Red Wings to stay behind the Isles.

3. BARZAL LINE STRIKES AGAIN:

For the second straight game, the Mathew Barzal, Anthony Beauvillier and Jordan Eberle line struck for the Islanders.
Eberle opened the scoring 3:55 into the second period, parking himself in front of the net and tapping in a tic-tac-toe feed from Beauvillier and Barzal.
Eberle's goal was his 22nd of the season and extended his scoring streak to two games, while the line as a whole now has nine points (3G, 6A) over the past two games. At least one member of the line has been in on each of the Islanders last four goals.

NOTES:

The Islanders dropped to 8-2-1 in their last 11 trips to New Jersey... Saturday's game started at 8:29 p.m. due to the Patrik Elias retirement ceremony... Taylor Hall (2A) extended his NHL-leading point streak to 14 games and his personal point streak to 21 games.

POSTGAME VIDEO: