Isles provide Brooklyn with holiday cheer
Tavares, Martin Help New York Snap Three-Game Losing Streak
Matt Martin’s flying fists and team captain John Tavares’ emergence from an extended slump paved the way for the New York Islanders’ 5-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks Monday night in front of 13,578 puck enthusiasts at Downtown’s Barclays Center.
The Islanders (19-11-5, 43 points) had dropped three straight games following their season-high 10-game points streak, and appeared en route to yet another defeat on the eve of their five-day holiday break.
Trailing the visiting Ducks, 1-0, following former Ranger Carl Hagelin’s first-period tally, the Islanders, limited to only two goals during their recent slide, turned to Martin for a bit of violent inspiration.