The Pittsburgh Penguins squared off once again in Pittsburgh for Game 4 of the series. The Pens, looking to get the win, to try and extend the series one more game. While the Islanders just needed one more win to complete the sweep.
In the first period, the Pittsburgh Penguins came out flying, as expected. They would get a goal not even a minute into the game. An early goal coming from Jake Guentzel beating Lehner top blocker. It would be the first goal of the series for Guentzel.
Since @jakenbake20 entered the NHL, no player has more playoff goals.
Just sayin'. pic.twitter.com/yIJyhtMjOy
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 16, 2019
Seemingly gathering the early momentum, the Penguins would look to capitalize on early chances, but the Islanders would answer back, scoring on a beautiful 2 on 1. The goal coming from man on fire Jordan Eberle, scoring his fourth of the series.
🔥 @jeberle_7 CANNOT BE STOPPED. 🔥 #Isles pic.twitter.com/qRrg6lihbx
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) April 16, 2019
Before the end of the period, the Islanders would add a second goal. This time coming from Brock Nelson. A beautiful chip play in front of the crease, beating Matt Murray upstairs. The goal was Nelson’s third of the series.
.@Tkuhn14 forecheck ➡️ Bailey pass ➡️ @Bnelson 🚨!
That adds up to a 2-1 lead! #Isles pic.twitter.com/35g9VjyXcc
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) April 17, 2019
In the second period, there was great back and forth chances, but the only big action to note of, in the period, was an altercation between Penguins forward Patrick Hornqvist and Islanders goalie Robin Lehner. A scrum that saw the Islanders go on the power play after the dust had settled, which they failed to capitalize on.
And things continue to get heated after the whistle. Ref steps in just as Hornqvist and Lehner are about to mix it up.
Lehner gets two for slashing, Hornqvist gets four for roughing. Kuhnhackl serving the minor. #Isles on the POWER PLAY.
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) April 17, 2019
In the third period, it was more of the same. A lot of great back and forth action, which saw both goalies make some incredible saves. Pittsburgh would get a wonderful opportunity to tie the game up while on the power play, a shot from Phil Kessel was saved off the line by Isles defensive Scott Mayfield. The icing on the cake though was the empty net goal that was scored by Josh Bailey, after a great defensive faceoff win by Valtteri Filppula.
GAME OVER! #ISLES SWEEP THE SERIES!!! #YesYesYes pic.twitter.com/A6uimB5oIp
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) April 17, 2019
It should be pointed out that this is the second year in a row that Islanders Head Coach Barry Trotz led his team to victory against the Penguins in the playoffs. Last year, he did it with the Washington Capitals in the second round.
The Yes Movement will be moving on to the second round, where they will be waiting for the winner of the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes series.
Boxscore
https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/nyi-vs-pit/2019/04/16/2018030144#game=2018030144,game_state=final