Islanders rookie Niederreiter heeds advice, scores

BOSTON - Before boarding the team bus for his first game action as an Islander - the first of two rookie games against the Bruins - first-round draft pick Nino Niederreiter received some sage advice from a couple of veteran players.

While fellow Swiss countryman Mark Streit opted for the more conventional "Good luck and have fun," Kyle Okposo was more specific.

"He told me to shoot a lot," Niederreiter said before the game, flashing a big grin. "I heard he didn't shoot a lot last season, so I'm going to really try and do that."

Following a first period without a shot on goal, Niederreiter tallied midway through the second period of last night's 5-2 loss. With the team trailing by two goals, Niederreiter tipped in a point shot from defenseman Travis Hamonic to cut the Bruins' lead to 2-1.

Although the back-to-back games against the Bruins prospects do not count as preseason contests, the 18-year-old Swiss winger wanted to head into training camp with some momentum.

"I'm really excited," Niederreiter said before the game. "Even if it's just a rookie game, you've still got to prove yourself and show the coaches what you can do."

Part of that meant displaying his ability to soak up the instruction he has received this week at rookie camp.

"I just want to get to know the system and play a good team game," said Niederreiter, who was taken fifth overall in the NHL draft in June. "I just want us to win and for me to be a part of it."

Playing against fellow top draft pick Tyler Seguin added some extra incentive as well. Seguin, who was selected second overall by the Bruins, was Niederreiter's roommate at this year's Canadian Hockey League Top Prospect game, where they spent time talking hockey and discussing their favorite shootout moves.

"I've never played against him but I know that he's a great player," Niederreiter said. "He was taken No. 2 at the draft so we'll see why."

In their first matchup, Niederreiter and Seguin both made it onto the scoresheet. Niederreiter finished with one goal and Seguin picked up two assists.

Notes & quotes: Goaltender Mikko Koskinen started for the Islanders; Kevin Poulin is expected to play Thursday . . . Jordan Caron's empty-netter with :37.5 to play gave the Bruins rookie a hat trick.