Oliver Wahlstrom #26 of the Islanders carries the puck past Sam Reinhart #23 of the Buffalo Sabres during the second period at Nassau Coliseum on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021. Credit: Jim McIsaac
The booming sound of the puck hitting goalie Linus Ullmark’s pad reverberated through the nearly empty Nassau Coliseum, and the circumstances and result of Oliver Wahlstrom’s heavy, power-play shot told an encouraging story of the rookie’s progress.
Most importantly, it led to Jean-Gabriel Pageau’s winner at 15:08 of the third period in Monday night’s 3-2 victory over the Sabres to start a stretch of nine of 10 at home.