Blues down Islanders, 3-2 in shootout

NEW YORK — The St. Louis Blues are off to a fast start and they have goaltender Jake Allen and top scorer Vladimir Tarasenko to thank for that early success.

Allen made 40 saves on Monday and Tarasenko scored twice and again in the shootout to lift the Blues past the Islanders, 3-2, for their third straight victory to start the National Hockey League season.

Brayden Schenn also scored in the shootout as the Blues managed to win after the Islanders tied it with two third-period goals.

“We have to find ways to keep those leads, but we got the win. It’s a big two points for us,” Allen said. “They pressed hard, they have a good offensive team. They have four lines that are skilled.”

Andrew Ladd and Anders Lee had scored for the Islanders in the third period to send the game into overtime, Lee’s goal coming at the 19-minute mark.

Tarasenko’s pair of goals came in the second period for the Blues, who were seemingly in control until Ladd scored for the home team at 13:04 of the third period to ruin Allen’s shutout bid. Tarasenko said he was happy to contribute multiple times during the game.

“I try to get open and create space,” said the 25-year-old Russian forward, who has three goals this season. “It’s really good that we got a win.”

Allen denied Jordan Eberle and Anthony Beauvillier in the shootout to preserve the win after he made three saves in overtime.