Emotional, the New York Islanders could not find the words to explain their elimination in seven games against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday.
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In the ultimate match, at the Amalie Arena, the New York team were never able to find the back of the opposing net, losing 1-0.
“They handcuffed us in the third period. We were unable to capitalize despite some good chances, stammered Mathew Barzal, throat tight, after the duel. It was not our time. We hope to be back next year and rewrite history. ”
Back in the Stanley Cup semifinals for a second consecutive season, the “Islanders” were once again shown the exit door by the Florida team. Only this time, Barry Trotz’s troop was able to force the holding of a seventh game, after being eliminated in six games in 2020.
If the defeat hurt Barzal, the sight of his teammates, devastated in the locker room, was all the more difficult.
“It’s tough for everyone,” said the 24-year-old. It’s boring to come back to this point and run out again. We have guys like [Josh] Bailey et [Andy] Greene, veterans – I’ve got a few more years ahead of me – but you want to win for these guys. It hurts to see these guys in the locker room, after coming so close. ”
Too early for the positive
Despite another setback at this point in the playoffs, the Islanders have had a noteworthy season.
With a 32-17-7 record, they took fourth place in the East Division. They then took advantage of the first round of the playoffs to take out the division-leading Pittsburgh Penguins in six games. They needed the same number of games to beat the Boston Bruins in the next round.
“It’s too early,” Barzal simply said when asked if it is too early to appreciate his team’s progress this season.
“We haven’t had time to think about all of this yet. The loss still hurts too much, ”added Bailey.
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