Bailey Beats Bob And The Philly Curse

I can't figure the Islanders out.

They put up an absolute stinker at home against Nashville, digging a hole so deep that the game is effectively over after one period. They then travel to Washington and Philadelphia, dominate both teams, and let up a single goal over six periods.

Confounding, to say the least.

Whatever the reason (and a lot of it has had to do with goaltender Evegni Nabokov's top form lately), the Islanders finally broke their "0-for-Philly" streak on Thurdsay (1/19) night.

With 40 saves and riding a shutout streak of 159:11, the Islanders earned two points in a place that hasn't been very kind to them in almost five calendar years, Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center.

It had been since April 7, 2007, a miserable streak of 13 games since the Islanders had last won in the City of Brotherly Love. But Matt Moulson, Josh Bailey, Mark Streit, and Michael Grabner powered the Isles to a 4-1 win.

Sergei 'Bob' Bobrovsky, who had been previously unbeaten by New York, took the loss. He's now 7-1-0 against the Blue and Orange.

As the home broadcasters were saying, it's a huge monkey finally off the back of a team trying to claw its way back into playoff contention.

There were some notable events in the game that deserve mention, besides Nabokov's masterpiece. Josh Bailey tallied a breakaway shorthanded goal for his 100th career NHL point.

John Tavares continued his slow takeover of the league with his 45th and 46th points of the season, but more importantly his 11th game in a row recording at least one. It ties the top mark in the league this year, set by Boston's David Krejci.

Lastly, the Islanders became only the second team in the league this season (Chicago) with three 40-point scorers (Tavares, Moulson, Parenteau).

Hopefully the Carolina Hurricanes and a little snow in the forecast won't be able to slow the suddenly surging Isles down on Saturday (1/21) night. They are still ten points out of a playoff spot, but looking to make up ground quickly in their upcoming games.

***
News and Notes:

- Kyle Okposo had an assist on Moulson's goal, upping his season total to 12. He has 23 points in 42 games (11-12-23).