N.Y. Islanders Take Game Five In Double Overtime at Pittsburgh

From the desk: THE LONG ISLAND NOMADS

Two Chances To Win One

GAME FIVE
Islanders  3

Penguins   2

FINAL/2OT

Double Overtime Thriller

The Islanders needed another hero.  

They got two, then three, then four ... none named Mathew Barzal.

Anthony Beauvillier made up for Josh Bailey's first-period penalty, which resulted in Evgeni Malkin's power-play goal with his even-strength goal just seconds before the period's end.  It was actually a brilliant goal at 19:05 in the first.  You know the Pens were kicking themselves.  Sloppy play on their part cost them, and Beauvilliere made them pay.  

Unlike game four, this time it was the Islanders answering back and scoring momentum-killing goals.  When Bryan Rust gave Pittsburgh a 2-1 lead in the second, Jordan Eberle tied the game midway through the third.

And into overtime, they went ...

Then another ...

Within 0:51 seconds of the second overtime, Jordan Eberle scores his third of the series, an interception he converted unassisted for the win.  Josh Bailey also assisted on Beauvillier's goal back in the first.

The Pens still won more face-offs and near equaled Long Island in hits.  However, Ilya Sorokin was a man possessed.  Pittsburgh took 22 more shots on goal than the Islanders.  In fact, Islanders centermen generated ten shots on goal, while Pittsburgh centermen alone loaded up with 21 shots on goal.  Ilya Sorokin faced 50 shots on goal, stopping all but two, including five saves on special teams and 43 saves at even strength.  He shut out the Penguins from the 7:37 mark of the second period onward.  Penguins' defensemen accounted for another twelve shots.  Sorokin earns his third victory of the series and now has the Islanders positioned to attempt one more win with two chances for getting it done.

The Islanders lead the series 3-2; they steal back the home-ice advantage and head back to the Uniondale Barn for game six.