NHL Playoffs: Islanders vs. Panthers Game 5 recap, full highligihts

Highlights from the New York Islanders‘ 2-1 double-overtime win over the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round playoff series. 

A hot goaltender can make all the difference in the NHL Playoffs, even when a team is being badly outplayed. Thomas Greiss and the New York Islanders found that out first-hand in a 2-1 double-overtime win over the Florida Panthers on Friday night to go up three games to two in their Eastern Conference first round playoff series.

New York made a number of significant lineup changes in an effort to find some consistency and avoid the slow first periods that have plagued it the entire series. Something worked, as the Islanders opened the scoring for the first time this series with a goal from Frans Nielsen at the 13:31 mark.

Even so, the Panthers continued to put constant pressure on for much of the period when the game was at even strength. Greiss continued his strong series with a few terrific saves to keep Florida off the board in the first.

Florida’s energy continued in the second period, as the Panthers had three great chances on redirected shots in the first seven minutes. Aaron Ekblad was absolutely robbed twice, as Greiss held the 1-0 lead with saves 24 saves through two.

At one point in the period, the Panthers generated nine consecutive shots, as the Islanders couldn’t get anything going. New York had two decent scoring opportunities midway through the second, but neither Josh Bailey or Kyle Okposo registered a shot on goal to seriously challenge Roberto Luongo.

All that pressure was eventually going to get to Greiss, and Aleksander Barkov scored just two minutes in to the third to knot things up at one, with a beautiful assist from the struggling Jaromir Jagr.

The Panthers flew around the rink after that, but could not put another puck past Greiss in regulation as Game 5 went to overtime, the second contest of the series that required extra time.

In one of the strangest playoff moments in years, the Panthers were awarded an overtime penalty shot after Calvin De Haan was called for closing the glove on the puck in the crease, but Greiss denied Barkov. While both teams had great scoring chances as play opened up, neither could break through in the first overtime.

The Panthers were dealt a tough blow at the start of the second overtime, as Nick Bjugstad crashed into the boards awkwardly and was down on the ice for several moments. While Florida continued to dominate at even strength. Greiss simply could not be beat.

A Power Play late in the second overtime gave the Islanders a rare spark. Alan Quine, who was just called up from the AHL two weeks ago, played well throughout overtime and eventually scored at the 16:00 mark on a shot that went right over Luongo’s glove.

Plenty of credit should go to Islanders coach Jack Capuano, as his lineup changes helped. However, this game was all about Greiss, who could lead the Islanders on a deep run if he continues playing this well.

Three stars

3. Michael Matheson, D, Florida. Continued his breakout series after playing a grand total of three NHL games entering the playoffs. Would have been on the scoresheet multiple times if it wasn’t for Greiss.

2. Frans Nielsen, C, New York. Stated his case as one of the best two-way players in the NHL by playing lockdown defense on Jagr in addition to scoring a goal.

1. Thomas Greiss, G, New York. Had to be absolutely spectacular due to team’s struggles in front of him, and delievered with 47 saves.

Full highlights

Next game

The Islanders will try to close out the Panthers on Sunday, with the time to be announced.

For more coverage of the NHL Playoffs, make sure to check out our NHL hub page.