3 things we learned from Islanders wild Game 1 win over Penguins

In a wild and crazy Game 1 of their series, the New York Islanders grabbed a 1-0 series lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins thanks to a 4-3 overtime win.

The New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins had high standards to live up to in the first game of their Stanley Cup Playoff series after the Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins put on a show on Saturday night. They matched them, as the Islanders won 4-3 in a back and forth battle full of compelling drama and excitement.

It wasn’t a pretty one. You can bet Isles head coach Barry Trotz isn’t too happy with the way his team played defensively. But at the end of the day, they managed to come out with a win and showed why they have what it takes to compete for the Stanley Cup.

This series is far from over, but let’s take a look at what we learned about both teams from their exciting, compelling Game 1.

1. Islanders trade deadline acquisitions pay off

The Islanders have made substantial additions at each of the past two NHL trade deadlines. In 2020, they traded for clutch scorer Jean-Gabriel Pageau of the Ottawa Senators and proceeded to sign him to an extension. 2021 saw Isles general manager Lou Lamoriello work out a deal with his old friends the New Jersey Devils, adding both Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac.

Heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Palmieri had just two goals and four points with the Islanders in 17 games. Zajac was in and out of the lineup and didn’t even play in Game 1. Yet Palmieri was arguably the best player in the game, as he picked up the opening goal and the overtime goal to give the Isles a 1-0 series lead.

Pageau was huge as well. The Isles needed a momentum shift after Sidney Crosby gave the Pens a lead with one of his trademark “what the heck did he just do” goals. Pageau provided that with a third period goal and he also provided assists on both on Palmieri’s goals.