Eastern Semifinal Nightly Recap

Eastern Semifinal

New York Islanders - 3 @ Florida Panthers - 1

• Series tied 1-1

Jack Campbell bounced back with a strong performane and the the Islanders handed the Panthers their first loss of the playoffs. 

After conceding 6 goals in Game 1, New York got back to the strong defensive game that got them past the Sabres in the first round. They only allowed the Panthers to generate 25 shots on goal for the game and were especially stingy in the third. Florida's attempts to get an attack going and score the equalizer were thwarted repeatedly.

After a scoreless opening period, Jaden Schwartz got the Isles on the board with his first of the playoffs. Paul Stastny picked up his second to give New York a two goal cushion. Artemi Panarin would cut the lead in half by chipping in his fifth. Ryan Dzingel added the insurance marker in the third. 

All goals scored in the game were at 5-on-5 as both teams played a disciplined game resulting in no penalties on the night. 

Columbus Blue Jackets - 1 @ New Jersey Devils - 4

• New Jersey leads series 2-0

Dylan Larkin provided the spark in the Devils win and are now 2 wins from heading to the next round. 

Larkin scored his 5th and 6th goals of the playoffs, the second of which held up as the game winning goal. Late in the game he picked up a helper on Oliver Bjorkstrand's 5th.

The Devils defense was just as impressive, limiting the Jackets to just 22 shots. Jacob Markstrom turned in another solid night in the blue paint and has now allowed just 13 goals in 8 games. His stats through the post-season now sit at 1.63 GAA and .939 SP%.

Nazem Kadri scored Columbus' lone goal of the game. Tyler Motte also scored for the Devils. 

THREE STARS

Dylan Larkin (NJD): 2 goals, 1 assist, +3, 1 hit, 4 shots, 1 takeaway, 15:45 TOI
Jack Campbell (NYI): 24 saves, .960 SP%
Devon Toews (NJD): 2 assists, +1, 2 pim, 3 hits, 4 shots, 3 GA, 1 TA, 22:36 TOI