Kevin Poulin is the people’s choice. And for the moment, the Islanders’ young goaltender is also the coach’s preference.
Given a second straight start in net by Jack Capuano over veteran Evgeni Nabokov, Poulin rewarded his coach with 32 saves and 54:30 of scoreless hockey Tuesday night. The performance paved the way for a much-needed 3-1 bounce-back victory over the Predators at Nassau Coliseum, a win that came on the heels of an empty four-game road trip.
The home crowd approved of Capuano’s decision, cheering the 23-year-old Poulin at every opportunity. There was a lot to be happy about for Islanders fans, and his continued impressive play between the pipes — which drew loud “Pou-lin” chants throughout the commanding victory — was just one of many reasons.
“He’s just keeping it simple in the end,” captain John Tavares said. “I’m not a goalie coach, but he’s stopping the puck and he’s not giving many secondary opportunities.”
While Poulin, a fourth-year pro, was indeed solid, the rest of the Islanders performed far better than they had during that four-game losing streak. They dominated puck possession, sustained pressure in the Nashville zone, limited the Predators’ scoring opportunities and outclassed their opponent, playing the kind of desperate, end-to-end hockey that typified last season’s playoff run.
Tavares scored once and assisted on a Kyle Okposo goal. Pierre-Marc Bouchard added his fourth of the year as the Islanders put together arguably their most complete 60 minutes of hockey this season.
“In general every guy out there brought their ‘A’ game,” said Tavares, who suffered a minor hip ailment in the third period, but returned and expects to be on the ice Thursday against the Kings.
Capuano declined to say whether he has decided on a change in net, saying he will “evaluate” the position. But Poulin’s recent play, which includes just seven goals allowed in his last four starts, has impressed the coach.
“He competes, he battles,” said Capuano, who wouldn’t reveal his starter for Thursday night’s contest.
The increased workload has enabled Poulin to find his legs. His confidence has increased and he isn’t searching for the puck as he once was. Another start would be music to his ears.
“That’s not my decision, but if I do [start on Thursday], I’ll be ready,” Poulin said.
The Islanders (7-9-3, 17 points) entered action closer to the Metropolitan division basement than its penthouse, with 60 goals allowed — the third most in the conference — but their play was crisp on Tuesday.
They couldn’t have asked for a better start after the ugly road trip. They peppered Nashville goaltender Marek Mazanec with 16 shots over the first period, finally breaking through at the 15:30 mark on their third power-play opportunity, and taking a 2-0 lead into the first intermission.
“We played in the offensive zone like we want to play tonight, there’s no question,” Capuano said. “That’s our framework, that’s our structure, that’s how we have to play.”