Islanders Face Predators in Exciting Game Preview
Anthony Duclair delivered a stellar performance, leading the New York Islanders to victory over the New Jersey Devils. He achieved a career milestone with five points, scoring three goals and providing two assists. Remarkably, he accomplished this feat on just three shots, including two wrist shots from the left circle.
Duclair’s Remarkable Game
This game marks Duclair’s first multi-goal outing of the season and his first hat-trick since December 14, 2019. On that occasion, he played for the Ottawa Senators. Head Coach Patrick Roy expressed his satisfaction with Duclair’s rebound after being a healthy scratch in the previous two games. “I’m happy for him,” Roy stated after the match.
Significant Achievements
Duclair’s performance was historically significant. According to OptaStats, he became the first NHL player since Wayne Gretzky to record a natural hat-trick, accumulate five or more points, and maintain a plus-six rating in a single game. Gretzky’s last similar performance took place on February 18, 1981.
- First career five-point game for Duclair
- First multi-goal game of the season
- Three goals on three shots
- First hat-trick since December 14, 2019
Duclair currently ranks seventh on the Islanders with 18 points this season, including seven goals and eleven assists in 40 games played.
Upcoming Matchup: Islanders vs. Predators
This significant victory against the Devils sets the stage for the Islanders as they prepare to face the Nashville Predators. This game is the first of two encounters between the teams this season. Notably, New York has struggled in prior visits to Nashville, going 0-4-2 in their last six games there.
The Islanders and Predators are set to meet again at UBS Arena on January 31. Fans are eager to see if the Islanders can improve their performance in Music City and capitalize on Duclair’s momentum.
