Lane Lambert wins first challenge as Islanders coach
Islanders coach Lane Lambert gestures to the team during the second period of an NHL hockey game against Chicago on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Chicago. Credit: AP/David Banks
ST. LOUIS — Lane Lambert was successful in his first challenge as Islanders coach as Nick Leddy’s apparent second-period goal was overturned for goalie interference in the Isles’ 5-2 win over the Blues on Thursday night at Enterprise Center.
The Blues also had a goal waved off — with the ruling upheld via review — at 5:44 of the third period. Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield got his body on Jake Neighbours, who knocked the net off its moorings just before the puck crossed the goal line off Neighbours’ skate.
Former Islanders defenseman Leddy had his goal from the left circle ultimately waved off after a lengthy challenge review at 15:19 of the second period after a scramble at the crease that left goalie Ilya Sorokin under other players.
“Our video guys, they do that and they do a great job of that,” Lambert said. “The decision was that they pushed our goalie in.”
Papa returns
Matt Martin logged 12:51 with a team-high five hits as he rejoined the Islanders after missing Tuesday night’s 3-1 win in Chicago to be with his wife, Sydney, for the birth of their second daughter on Long Island. Naturally, Martin was all smiles talking about newborn Alice James — the middle name in honor of Martin’s father. Windsor Grace was born in 2020.
“It’s amazing,” Martin said. “A special day. It’s an incredible moment that you just can’t take for granted and it’s a huge blessing.”
Isles files
C Brock Nelson earned his 400th career point with the primary assist on LW Anders Lee’s second-period goal. RW Anthony Beauvillier’s secondary helper was his 100th career assist . . . The Islanders did not have a five-game winning streak last season . . . D Adam Pelech’s 24:30 of ice time was a season high for the Islanders . . . D Robin Salo, F Nikita Soshnikov and F Ross Johnston were the healthy scratches.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
