Islanders-Penguins Game 6 recap: Winning goal, key stat and more
Islanders' Brock Nelson (29) celebrates after scoring his second goal during the second period of Game 6 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Wednesday, May 26, 2021. Credit: AP/Frank Franklin II
Final score: Islanders 5, Penguins 3
Winning Goal
Ryan Pulock, a slapper from the right point at 8:48 of the second.
Key statistic
The Islanders are now 12-1 all-time in series they’ve led 3-2 and 11-2 in Game 6s of those series.
Turning point
Travis Zajac cleanly beat Evgeni Malkin on an offensive-zone faceoff after the Penguins iced the puck, setting up Ryan Pulock’s goal for a 4-3 lead at 8:48 of the second period, just 13 seconds after Brock Nelson broke the tie.
Did you notice?
The Coliseum crowd sang "Happy Birthday" to Mathew Barzal (24) midway through the first period. Barzal nearly scored, right on cue, but Penguins defenseman Cody Ceci was able to deflect Barzal’s shot.
Injury report
Islanders rookie RW Oliver Wahlstrom (undisclosed) did not dress after being checked hard into the wall in Game 5 by defenseman Mike Matheson… Penguins G Casey DeSmith (undisclosed) remained unavailable.
Other news
Rookie goalie Ilya Sorokin started his third straight game but coach Barry Trotz continued to praise Semyon Varlamov, in net for losses in Games 2 and 3. "Varly is a great mentor for not only a Russian goalie, but any goalie in the NHL. He’s got a great demeanor." . . . Bridgeport defenseman Samuel Bolduc was named an AHL Atlantic Division All Star.
Three stars
1. Brock Nelson (Islanders). Two goals and an assist, centering the Isles’ hottest line.
2. Ryan Pulock (Islanders). Scores the game-winner, and helps shut down Sidney Crosby.
3. Anthony Beauvillier (Islanders). A gorgeous goal to tie it 1-1, plus two assists.
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.
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