Tavares, Halak superb as Islanders force Game 7 vs. Capitals
The New York Islanders and their beautiful, beaten-down old barn have endured.
Jaroslav Halak was brilliant, making 38 saves while Nikolay Kulemin scored his first Stanley Cup playoffs goal as the Islanders forced Game 7, triumphing 3-1 over the Washington Capitals in what could be the final game contested at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The Islanders can prevent, or at least delay the doors from being boarded up with a victory in Washington, but win or lose, they provided another fond memory to the loyal fans that have inhabited the Coliseum seats for the last 43 years.
Star Performer: Halak was tremendous, but Game 6 wasn't won without their captain. John Tavares opened the scoring with a rousing individual effort and...
Turning Point: He and Alex Ovechkin were at odds for most of the game, but the final lick from the Capitals' captain turned the tide in favor of the opposition. Kulemin's winner was a result of the Capitals falling asleep as Tavares lay prone.
Goalie Comparison: Braden Holtby was shaky at times. Halak was a rock throughout. The Islanders' stopper is now 6-1 in elimination games in his career.
| Goalie | Shots | GA | Saves | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holtby | 37 | 2 | 35 | 0.946 |
| Halak | 39 | 1 | 38 | 0.974 |
Top Highlight: Smarts, patience, and colossal skill. Tavares' opening strike was goal-scoring at its finest.
Stat of the Night: Considering their dynastic past, this is amazing: the Islanders scored first for a fifth time in a seven-game series for just the second time in franchise history, according to NHL Public Relations.
Series at a Glance
Game 1: Islanders 4, Capitals 1
Game 2: Capitals 4, Islanders 3
Game 3: Islanders 2, Capitals 1 (OT)
Game 4: Capitals 2, Islanders 1 (OT)
Game 5: Capitals 5, Islanders 1
Game 6: Islanders 3, Capitals 1
Game 7: Monday, April 27, 7:30 p.m. ET