BOSTON (AP) - The New York Islanders felt they had something to prove. Matthew Barzal scored in regulation and the shootout as the Islanders beat the Boston Bruins 3-2 on Thursday night. Despite being third in the Eastern Conference and winning six of nine coming in, the Islanders saw this game as a measuring stick because Boston has only lost one home game in regulation. “They are so tough at home,” Barzal said. “For us to stay level with them all night, says something about this group.”
Varlamov had 27 saves as New York snapped a seven-game losing streak to Boston. He made a highlight-reel save with 3:33 remaining in the second period. He dove across the crease and robbed Anders Bjork, who hung his head in disbelief. “Only had a chance to reach with my glove and he shot it right in the glove,” Varlamov said. “If he shot that 10 times, he would have scored nine of 10. It was important to win this game and get our confidence back after game against Nashville.”
New York lost 8-3 Tuesday to the Predators and have now won four of five.
In the shootout, Jordan Eberle and Barzal scored for the Islanders. David Pastrnak scored for the Bruins. Brad Marchand ’s attempt to extend the shootout was stymied by Varlamov.
Anders Bjork and Torey Krug scored for Boston. The Bruins are winless in four straight at home and seven of eight overall.
“Something about this team, we have a lot of confidence and swagger,” Bjork said. “Don’t sense any nerves, even when we are down, and still feel like we will come back.”
Devon Toews had a chance to end it for the Islanders in the closing seconds of overtime, but he lost control of the puck on a breakaway as he approached Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask.
Johnny Boychuk scored for the first time in 21 games, tying the score at 1 when beat a screened Rask with a shot from the blue line at 3:26 of the second.
Krug capitalized on a two-man advantage and tied the game at 2 with 12:36 remaining in the third period.
“They don’t give you much and record and goals against are evidence of that,” Krug said. “Every guy in this room feels like they can give a little bit more and hope we can right the ship soon.”
Rask stopped 19 shots for Boston and has dropped five straight.
NOTES: Islanders forward Cal Clutterbuck left the ice in the third period after his left wrist got cut by Patrice Bergeron’s skate. He was taken to the hospital to receive stitches. … Boston D John Moore was scratched in favor of Connor Clifton. Boston is 1-5 since Moore returned to the lineup. . Varlamov has won four straight. … Boychuk played for the Bruins for six seasons and left after the 2013-14 season.
UP NEXT
Islanders: Host Anaheim Ducks on Saturday.
Bruins: Host Nashville Predators on Saturday.
___
More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Please read our comment policy before commenting.