After a scoreless, but physical first period Islander standout Zach Sanford scored after barreling through a bevy of defenders to bury a rebound for a 1-0 IHC lead. Tom Muratore and Ted McCarran assisted.
Dakota Ford zipped a snap shot past Valley goalie Brendan Leahy at 16:37 of the third period. Ford took a Ryan Callahan pass and curled off the right wall to the high slot where he found his shooting spot.
Valley made a late run at reaching coaching and organizational highs in wins (30), but fell short despite BU bound Brendan Collier tally at 9:43 of the third. That goal was as close as they would come as some ill-advised penalties left Valley short-handed for the majority of the time left.
The Islanders split the goaltender duties and were able to provide a break to some roster regulars as well. The Islanders earned a first round bye and will face an opponent to be determined as they host the second round series at Skate 3 in Tyngsboro March 2nd and 3rd.
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