BUFFALO – The new year clearly holds plenty of promise for the Islanders, who finally appear headed in the right direction under the leadership of president and general manager Lou Lamoriello and coach Barry Trotz and, recently by necessity, the addition of top prospects Josh Ho-Sang, Michael Dal Colle and defenseman Devon Toews into their lineup.
The Islanders concluded 2018 by holding on for a 3-1 win over the Sabres on Monday night at KeyBank Center as they were outshot 13-3 in the third period but goalie Robin Lehner made 39 saves in his first return after spending the past three seasons with the Sabres.