Editorial

Islanders Suffer Epic 3-Goal Lead Collapse To Deepen Their Playoff Deficit To 2-0, And Just … How Does This Happen?

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This season, the Islanders have had issues holding on to leads, however, it looked like those days were over as they headed into the playoffs ... nope. [X/Screenshot/Public — @Canes]

[X/Screenshot/Public — @Canes]

Andrew Powell Sports and Entertainment Blogger
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I just … I don’t understand.

This season, the New York Islanders have had a bit of an issue holding on to leads. However, it looked like those days were over as they headed into the playoffs … nope.

And not only are they still around, but one of these moments happened in dramatic fashion Monday night against the Carolina Hurricanes. Heading into the third period of Game 2, the Islanders were sitting pretty with a 3-0 advantage, but an epic collapse would see them suffer a 5-3 defeat and 2-0 first-round series deficit. And it’s not just that New York collapsed, but it’s how they did it — allowing three goals in the last 2:30 of the game.

Like … how does that even happen? (RELATED: This Is Playoff Basketball: Nuggets Chip Away At 20-Point Deficit To Give Us An Absolutely Brilliant Buzzer-Beater)

Originally, it looked like the Islanders were going to walk away with the dub, clinging on to a 3-2 lead with just three minutes to go in the game. But then things got real.

After the Hurricanes’ timeout at the 2:49 mark, it didn’t take long for them to get crackin’, with center Sebastian Aho deflecting right wing Andrei Svechnikov‘s shot into the net to take advantage of their extra attacker. Only nine seconds later, Carolina would score again to finalize New York’s collapse, as left wing Jordan Martinook beat Islanders’ defense Noah Dobson to knock the puck in to give them the 4-3 lead.

And from there, it was nothing but sweet glory for the Canes.

Playoff hockey at its finest, baby.