New York Islanders’ optimistic outlook takes a hit

Uniondale, New York: The New York Islanders’ rallying cry in their return to the post-season for the first time in six years is “Believe.”

But even the most ardent of supporters might find that optimism difficult following a deflating home loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Buoyed by a split of the first two games of the first-round series in Pittsburgh, the Islanders came home to Nassau Coliseum with the feeling they could upset the Penguins — the top-seeded team in the Eastern Conference.

New York jumped out to a two-goal lead in the first period on Sunday only to be behind by the time the intermission arrived.

The Islanders then climbed out of a two-goal hole in the third period, but couldn’t seal the deal before falling 5-4 in overtime on Chris Kunitz’s second power-play goal of the game.

Pittsburgh now have a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, yet this advantage seems to be even greater.

“The sun is going to come up tomorrow,” Islanders coach Jack Capuano said shortly after the loss. “It takes four to win the series.”

While that is true, the Islanders were counting on winning these two games at Nassau Coliseum to build off their Game 2 victory and keep home-ice advantage in their favour. Now the best New York can hope for is to go back to Pittsburgh tied at 2-2 after Game 4 on Tuesday.

If the Islanders lose again, they will face elimination without any guarantee of returning home for another game.

“We played a good game,” said star forward John Tavares, whose first NHL play-off goal lifted the Islanders into a 4-4 tie in the third.

“We need to regroup and know that we’re playing some good hockey. We’re creating opportunities and believe in ourselves.”

Crosby, playing his second game after missing a month because of a broken jaw, drew the decisive penalty against Brian Strait, who held the Penguins captain as he drove the net 33 seconds before the winning goal.

“He kind of wrapped me up,” Crosby said. “I pulled up looking for someone. I didn’t see anyone, so I thought I would take it to the net.

“We were hoping we could get it done quickly.”