The New York Islanders erased a two-goal third-period deficit but, continuing a gamelong pattern, they quickly gave up what they clawed back and ultimately lost Game 3 to the Pittsburgh Penguins in regulation, 5-4.
The Penguins now take a dangerous 2-1 series lead, with Game 4 set for Saturday afternoon, also at Nassau Coliseum.
Three times the Islanders tied the score in Game 3, and three times they gave it right back in two-and-a-half minutes or less. Tough to win that way.
First Period: Not the start we asked for
The Islanders were hoping to get a better start to this one, but Kris Letang put an end to that hope just two minutes in.