The New York Islanders scored two first-period goals and held on to defeat the Minnesota Wild, 2-1, Monday afternoon at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Andrew MacDonald opened the scoring with a power play goal 9:05 into the first period, and Frans Nielsen scored two and a half minutes later to stake the Islanders to a 2-0 lead.
The Wild responded early in the third period with a tally by Matt Cullen, but Minnesota (1-1-0) could not push another puck past Islanders goalie Al Montoya, who recorded 20 saves to push his record to 1-1. Montoya's strong effort allowed New York to hold on despite being outshot 21-14 for the game, including 19-5 over the final two periods.
P.A. Parenteau assisted on both goals for the Islanders (1-1-0), who return to action Thursday at home against Tampa Bay.
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