New york city Islanders captain Anders Lee knocked Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom out of Wednesday nights first-round series opener, setting the tone with a huge hit that Washington coach Todd Reirden called “late” and “predatory.”.
Reirden didnt have an upgrade afterward on Backstrom, who appeared to be looking the other method and didnt have the puck when he was leveled by a shoulder-to-shoulder hit from Lee simply 2 1/2 minutes into the very first duration.
” I attempted to throw the brakes on a bit there, but I caught him,” stated Lee, who was penalized for disturbance. “The end outcome after that was a charge, a couple of battles. It was settled and after that the video game continued.”.
2 RelatedLee wound up entering two battles, the first with defenseman John Carlson instantly after bowling over Backstrom with a heavy hit. Then he battled Tom Wilson later on in the duration in being targeted for the hit, which resulted in Backstrom not returning after seven shifts.
Carlson described Lees hit as appearing “real dirty to me.”.
Islanders coach Barry Trotz, in his second year with New York after coaching the Capitals to win the Stanley Cup in 2018, stated it didnt shock him that his previous team wasnt delighted with Lee.
” Playoff hockey ought to be right up Anders wheelhouse, if you will,” Trotz stated. “Hes big. Hes strong. He scored a crucial goal. He had a hit. And he reacted to Wilsons difficulty. What more can you ask from a leader?”.
The Islanders conquered a two-goal deficit and won 4-2. Video game 2 is Friday night.
The Associated Press added to this report.
” I attempted to toss the brakes on a little bit there, but I caught him,” said Lee, who was punished for interference.” Playoff hockey ought to be right up Anders wheelhouse, if you will,” Trotz said. He had a hit.
