The New York Islanders began their marathon nine-game road trip on the right note with a 3-1 win over the Red Wings in their last visit to Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.
But as with several recent wins, to steal Doug Weight’s phrase “it was no Rembrandt.”
It was a sloppy game for both sides -- a disturbing final game before the Wings’ bye week for them -- though the Isles were smart and cagey in gaining and regaining a lead, then protecting it with comfort for the final 20 minutes. Not so comfortable were injuries to Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck that caused them to leave the game before the third period.