The New York Islanders lead the New Jersey Devils, 3-0, after one period tonight at the Prudential Center.
The Islanders hold a lead in shots, 8-6.
Josh Bailey powered the offense, netting two early goals to silence the Devils crowd. His first goal, at 3:09 of the opening period, put the Islanders ahead, 1-0. Jamie Langenbrunner held the puck in his defensive zone and attempted to pass it across the ice. Bailey picked off the pass in the slot and fired a backhanded shot over Martin Brodeur's glove for his fourth goal of the season.
Bailey's second goal at 5:39 of the first pushed the Islanders lead to 2-0. With Jason Arnott in the box for hooking, Andy MacDonald fired a shot on net. The puck deflected off Bailey, who was screening Brodeur. The Islanders center fell onto the left pad of Brodeur and, while laying on the pad, pushed a backhanded shot past the Devils' goalie.
Bailey has never recorded an NHL hat trick.
John Tavares extended the lead to 3-0 at the 11 minute mark of the period. Travis Hamonic took a shot from the right circle that Brodeur stopped. The rebound trickled out to the left circle, and Tavares one-timed the rebound blocker-side for his 10th goal of the season.
After allowing the first goal this season, the Devils have only won two games.
Matt Moulson left the game after a hit from Anton Volchenkov in the opening minute. Moulson was reaching for a puck near the center line when Volchenkov hit the Islanders' forward. Moulson landed awkwardly, with his jaw making contact with the ice. He returned to the bench but did not finish the period.