Islanders 5, Avalanche 4: 3rd-period comeback stuns defending champs

We’re really doing this!After a scoreless and evenly played first period, the Colorado Avalanche appeared to restore the natural order of things by blitzing the New York Islanders in the second period, starting with the opening goal just 46 seconds after the puck dropped.

But after falling behind 3-0 before the second was nine minutes old, the host New York Islanders got one back at the midway point, which set the stage for a stunning comeback in the third.

Zach Parise and Scott Mayfield scored each of their third goals of the season, then Anthony Beauvillier gave the Islanders the lead just 17 seconds after Mayfield had tied it at 3-3. An empty netter and a late goal conceded equaled a 5-4…