ELMONT, N.Y. — Mathew Barzal’s quick overtime goal, just 21 seconds in, secured a dramatic 4-3 win for the New York Islanders against the Toronto Maple Leafs at UBS Arena on Thursday. Barzal, who also contributed three assists, was the night’s standout player, tapping in a crucial pass from Noah Dobson after a face-off win by Bo Horvat.
This victory was a significant turnaround for the Islanders (19-12-10), who had faced two consecutive losses, including a disappointing 5-2 defeat to the Vancouver Canucks. Coach Lane Lambert praised the team’s character and resilience, particularly after trailing 3-1 in the game.
The game began with Kyle Palmieri’s early power-play goal, giving the Islanders a quick lead. Alexander Romanov and Bo Horvat also found the net, with Dobson assisting four times. Goalie Ilya Sorokin’s 32 saves were vital in keeping the Islanders competitive throughout the match.
The Maple Leafs (21-10-8), who had been on a four-game winning streak, saw Auston Matthews scoring twice. However, Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe was critical of the team’s special teams performance, particularly on power plays and penalty kills. Goalie Martin Jones made 26 saves for Toronto.
Matthews’ goals initially gave Toronto a promising lead, but the Islanders’ determined comeback changed the game’s dynamics. Romanov’s goal was particularly noteworthy, finding an opening in the Leafs’ defense and executing a perfect shot.
The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams displaying strong offensive and defensive plays. Matthews acknowledged the game’s competitive nature and the Islanders’ effective play on both sides of the puck.
Barzal’s impact was significant, extending his point streak to five games with two goals and seven assists. Dobson’s four assists marked a career-high in the NHL. For Matthews, this game was his 70th multigoal game, inching closer to Darryl Sittler’s record for the most in Maple Leafs history.
This win for the Islanders not only breaks their losing streak but also demonstrates their ability to rally and win against formidable opponents, showcasing their resilience and team spirit.
