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Early 2-0 hole could be crushing for New York Islanders after blown lead

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Hunter Crowther | Last updated 4/23/24

The New York Islanders had a 3-1 lead midway through the third period of Monday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes. Down 1-0 in the series, the Islanders gave themselves a chance to tie the series up before flying back to Long Island for Game 3 and 4.

However, Seth Jarvis cut the deficit to one, then Sebastian Aho tied the game with just over two minutes to go. Nine seconds later, Jordan Martinook executed a perfect forecheck, then took the puck and tucked it past Semyon Varlamov to give the Hurricanes’ the lead. An empty netter made it 5-3, and Carolina takes a 2-0 series lead.

On Tuesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discuss the Islanders’ blown lead and if it’s too little, too late for them in this best-of-seven series.

Tyler Yaremchuk: I didn’t get a chance to catch the end of the game, but I looked at updates on my phone and thought, “Oh the Islanders are still up.” Then two goals, nine seconds apart, and they go ahead and win it.

Frank Seravalli: Here’s what I would say: The Islanders have had two incredible opportunities, outplaying the Canes in Game 1 and still lose, then yesterday, have a lead and have Carolina on the ropes, but they still can’t do it.

Does it feel like the Islanders have taken their best shot?

Tyler Yaremchuk: I just don’t see how if you can’t win those two wins, especially after executing your game plan really well in Game 1. I have a hard time envisioning more things going right for them in Games 3 and 4.

You can listen to the full segment and the rest of the episode here…