The result of the final regular season game (we think...for real this time, maybe) at Nassau Coliseum will be a trivial footnote, but the complete performance by the New York Islanders was reassuring for their 2021 outlook given their recent form. The 5-1 win over the New Jersey Devils won’t erase fears that the Isles might be limping into the playoffs, but they did exhibit more of the look of a playoff team.
Brock Nelson scored two goals and Oliver Wahlstrom had two assists. Mathew Barzal and Leo Komarov also had two points, the latter creating opportunities for his offensive wingers through good backchecking, just as Trotz intended.