Varlamov makes 21 saves to lead Isles by Coyotes

UNIONDALE, N.Y. — Anders Lee’s thirdperiod goal was the eventual winner and the New York Islanders beat the Arizona Coyotes 42 on Thursday night. Derick Brassard and Josh Bailey also scored and Brock Nelson recorded two assists as the Islanders won their fifth consecutive game. Semyon Varlamov made 21 saves in his third win of the season.

Michael Grabner and Conor Garland scored for Arizona. Darcy Keumper made 18 saves as the Coyotes’ fourgame winning streak was snapped. Jakob Chychrun recorded two assists.

Kuemper’s impressive 13game stretch of allowing two goals or less came to an end when Lee slipped a backhander past the goaltender at the eightminute mark of the third period. Kuemper is one of 11 goalies in NHL history to have had such a streak. Bailey and Devon Toews assisted on Lee’s goal.

Bailey broke a 11 tie at 14:03 of the second period when he fired a onetimer from the high slot past Kuemper. Defenseman Adam Pelech helped start the offensive opportunity when he skated into the zone with control of the puck. The Islanders generated a few chances before Bailey scored, with assists going to Nick Leddy and Nelson.

Brassard opened the scoring at 1:25 of the first period when he redirected a puck from Ryan Pulock past Kuemper. Prior to Brassard’s first goal of the season, the Coyotes hadn’t trailed since the first period against Winnipeg on Oct. 15, four games ago. Pulock and Nelson picked up assists on the play.

The Islanders signed Brassard late in the summer to 1year contract after the center struggled to find his rhythm after being traded twice last season. The 32yearold has predominantly played center throughout his 13year career, but skated at left wing for the first time as a member of the Islanders, alongside Nelson and Anthony Beauvillier.

Grabner evened the score at 11 when he snapped a wrist shot past Varlamov at 10:20 of the first period. Chychrun assisted on the play.

Gardland cut the Coyotes’ deficit to one goal when he scored off a rebound at 18:55 of the third period. Chuchrun and Phil Kessel assisted on the play.

Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield scored an emptynetter with 12 seconds remaining to seal the victory.

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Islanders: At Ottawa Senators on Friday.

Frank Franklin II / Associated Press New York Islanders center Josh Bailey celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the second period against the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday in Uniondale, N.Y.