After tonight’s games, a lot of New York Islanders fans were probably doing the “wipe sweat off brow” hand motion. Jack Capuano probably didn’t need to fake it.
Things seemed like they were smooth sailing for the Isles against the Pittsburgh Penguins, as they opened up a 3-0 lead. Then, they watched in horror as the Penguins rattled off three goals during the third period. It looked like it would be a real nail-biter going into overtime.
Yet, 19:33 into the final frame, Anders Lee made it 4-3, with Nikolay Kulemin locking it down at 5-3 mere seconds later.
More than a few people wonder if those goals saved the Isles’ embattled head coach’s job.
That Islanders goal may very well have saved Jack Capuano's job.
— Ken Campbell (@Ken_Campbell27) December 1, 2016
After a terrible 2-5-4 run through most of November, the Islanders are now on a two-game winning streak. Following tomorrow’s trip to face the Capitals in D.C., they’ll enjoy five of six games in Brooklyn.
They’re only five points out of a wild card spot, which isn’t ideal ... but it’s better than blowing a three-goal lead and possibly losing two points.
Did Anders Lee just become Capuano’s favorite player?