BOSTON — Islanders Struggle Again Despite Strong Start Against Bruins

The Islanders managed to gain a two-point lead for the second time in just four days and seemed to be taking control of the matchup on the road.

However, for the second time in four games, they fell short of finishing strong with two points.

This defeat stings even more since the Bruins had faced a crushing loss the night before, prompting the coach to question his team’s commitment. The Islanders initially performed well against the Bruins at TD Garden, but ultimately lost 5-2, allowing a power play goal late in the game.

“It’s too early in the season,” Ryan Purock remarked, choosing his words thoughtfully when asked if he was worried about the last couple of games. “But we can’t let this drag on. Time is passing.”

“We’ve had some positives the last few games. There were definitely good moments tonight, but some issues need to be addressed that are costing us,” he added. “This group is confident and I believe we’re going to be fine. But we need to analyze what’s happening, discuss it, and get back to work.”

With the Bruins leading 3-2, the Islanders had a prime opportunity to seize control of the game, especially with a double-minor high-sticking penalty on Hampus Lindholm at the end of the second period.

Yet, after scoring from a power play early on, the Islanders struggled immensely during a four-minute man advantage in the second period. They went void of scoring opportunities for a total of ten minutes while up a player, which included two additional power plays in the third when they desperately needed to find the net.

Captain Anders Lee shared with the Post: “We had plenty of chances on the power play, but we didn’t capitalize. It has to be better than that.”

The Bruins, on the other hand, took full advantage. At 4:51 in the third, after Adam Pelech slashed Nikita Zadorov, Morgan Geekie scored from the top of the left circle, extending the Bruins’ lead to 4-2.

This marks the fifth instance this season where Ilya Sorokin let in four goals across seven starts, stopping 17 of 21 shots during a previous game.

Still, Sorokin didn’t place much blame on himself, as the Islanders’ power play performance and their lack of energy after jumping to a 2-0 lead were significant factors in the loss.

During the first 20 minutes, the Islanders appeared to be the superior team, but they plateaued in the second and failed to regain their earlier momentum.

In the second half, they earned two back-to-back penalties, the second of which led to Elias Lindholm cutting the deficit to 2-1.

Three minutes later, the Bruins leveled things as David Pastrnak scored, capitalizing on the Islanders’ defensive lapses.

In quick succession, Charlie McAvoy flung a puck towards goal, which deflected off Mikey Eisimont, giving the Bruins a 3-2 lead.

“It’s a learning process,” said coach Patrick Roy, who called a timeout after Eisimont’s goal. “I’m not saying it swung the match, but those early penalties in the second gave them a spark.”

Initially, the Islanders executed their breakouts well and were effective in contested areas when Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri both scored in the game’s opening five minutes, but then they faltered with puck management and crossing the red line.

This pattern could become a recurring issue in Boston, similar to what happened in Philadelphia during previous shootout losses despite having leads.

“To win on the road, I don’t think you can make mistakes like that,” Roy commented. “It gave them momentum and hurt us at the same time.”

Despite some encouraging moments in recent weeks, these are the kinds of missed opportunities that tend to linger in the standings as the season progresses.

The Islanders, particularly those accustomed to the pressures of the last few seasons, are well aware of the implications.