ELMONT, N.Y. — The New York Islanders triumphed in a nail-biting 4-3 win against the Anaheim Ducks at UBS Arena on Wednesday, thanks to a late short-handed goal by Simon Holmstrom. His decisive goal with just 1:33 left on the clock was a display of skill and poise, as he skated to the bottom of the left circle and expertly lifted the puck over Ducks goalie John Gibson.
The game was a tense affair, with Semyon Varlamov of the Islanders making crucial saves in the dying moments, including a glove save on Ryan Strome and another on Frank Vatrano in the final seconds. Varlamov’s 21 saves were instrumental in preserving the win for New York.
The Islanders, with this victory, have now won four straight games and extended their point streak to seven games (6-0-1). Coach Lane Lambert acknowledged the challenging nature of the game and praised his team’s resilience and ability to find a way to win.
The Ducks, meanwhile, continue to struggle, having lost four consecutive games and 12 of their last 13. Despite a solid third period, Anaheim coach Greg Cronin lamented the team’s sluggish start and the failure to capitalize on a late power play.
Mathew Barzal, Kyle Palmieri, and Casey Cizikas also scored for the Islanders, with Noah Dobson contributing two assists. Palmieri’s early goal in the second period set the tone for the Islanders, and Cizikas’s goal off a 3-on-2 rush extended their lead.
However, the Ducks responded with goals from Troy Terry, Adam Henrique, and Sam Carrick. Terry’s goal, his first since November 1, came off a fortunate deflection, while Henrique capitalized on a broken stick play. Carrick gave the Ducks a brief lead in the third period with a fortuitous shot that deflected off an Islanders player.
Barzal’s power-play goal tied the game at 3-3, setting the stage for Holmstrom’s game-winner. Dobson remarked on the maturity and experience of the Islanders’ group, highlighting their ability to handle challenging situations and come together as a team.
Notably, Holmstrom leads the NHL with four short-handed goals this season. Bo Horvat extended his point streak to eight games with an assist on Barzal’s goal, and Dobson continued his impressive form with a five-game point streak, totaling eight assists. Additionally, Henrique’s face-off prowess was on display, winning 75 percent of his draws.
The win underscores the Islanders’ resilience and ability to perform under pressure, while the Ducks will look to regroup and address their ongoing challenges.
