Thrashers 5, Islanders 4: Third Period Goals Cost Isles

The Islanders have now dropped their fifth consecutive game in a row tonight, all because of them giving up four third period goals.

They came out the first two periods and played relatively better than they have the past few games. They worked hard, got the puck to the net, and held a 2-1 lead (thanks to Martin and Moulson) going into the third period. But then, things started to go the Thrashers' way.

The Islanders would come out in the third period first giving up two straight goals by Johnny Oduya. Wisniewski was taken down on the second Oduya goal, but nothing was called. After the goal, Matt Moulson collided with Rick DiPietro and he skated slowly to the bench in pain.

Things would turn around for a few minutes as Rob Schremp picked up the rebound from a MacDonald shot and fired home for the goal. It was all tied up at three.

Then it got worse again on the Isles front. Right off the face off, somehow Bryan Little chipped one past DiPietro. DiPietro just stood there after the goal in shock. It appeared that he wasn't even ready.

Later on, James Wisniewski tripped up Evander Kane which led to a penalty shot. Thank goodness for the whole Isles team, it hit the right post.

The Thrashers were holding a 4-3 lead and secured it when the Islanders gave up another face off goal, this time it being Burmistrov getting the goal. That was Atlanta's fourth goal of the period and their fifth goal of the game.

Later in the period, former Islanders first overall pick John Tavares engaged himself in his first NHL fight with Burmistrov. You can clearly see the frustration on John Tavares which led to the fight. John got the two extra minutes for slashing, and PA Parenteau served it.

The goal horn at the Coliseum sounded once more when the Islanders were on the power play after Stewart went to the box for holding the stick. Blake Comeau picked up a Rob Schremp pass and fired home. The Islanders only needed to score one more goal, but failed to do so as they ran out of time.

The Isles are now 5-17-5 with only 15 points in the Eastern Conference. That's the worst record in the NHL as of now. They need to step their game up and play a full 60 minutes of hockey. It seems like every game they find new ways to lose.

Next up: The Nashville Predators