Islanders edge Devils in OT as Barzal, Sorokin lead comeback

The New York Islanders delivered a stunning blow to the New Jersey Devils on Monday night, emerging victorious with a 3-2 overtime win at Prudential Center. Mathew Barzal’s heroics just 1:17 into the extra frame proved to be the difference-maker after Simon Nemec had dramatically tied the game with a mere five seconds remaining in regulation. The victory snapped New Jersey’s impressive seven-game home winning streak to start the season and marked the Islanders’ second consecutive road triumph on their current seven-game trip away from UBS Arena.

This hard-fought divisional matchup showcased exactly what makes Metropolitan Division hockey so compelling. With both teams entering on winning streaks—the Devils coming off a shootout victory over Pittsburgh and the Islanders fresh from a 5-0 demolition of the Rangers—the stage was set for an intense battle. What unfolded was a dramatic contest that saw momentum swings, clutch goaltending, and the kind of resilience that defines successful teams in today”s NHL.

Ilya Sorokin’s stellar performance between the pipes for the Islanders

The foundation of any successful NHL victory often begins in the crease, and Ilya Sorokin provided exactly that for the Islanders. The Russian netminder turned aside 33 of 35 shots, including 12 crucial saves in the third period alone when the Devils pressed for the equalizer. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, especially considering the quality of chances New Jersey generated throughout the contest.

Sorokin’s penalty kill work deserves special recognition. He stopped nine of 10 shots while his team was shorthanded, providing the backbone that allowed the Islanders to escape what could have been a devastating early deficit. When the Devils struck just 2:12 into the game on Timo Meier’s power-play marker, it would have been easy for the Islanders to crumble. Instead, Sorokin steadied the ship and kept his team within striking distance.

The milestone nature of this victory adds another layer to Sorokin’s achievement. With this win, he earned his 130th career victory, tying Rick DiPietro for third place on the Islanders’ all-time wins list. Only legendary goaltenders Billy Smith (304) and Glenn Resch (157) stand ahead of him in franchise history. For a player who only became a full-time NHL starter in recent years, this accomplishment speaks volumes about his consistency and elite-level performance.

“Every win is exciting,” Sorokin said after the game. “Today was a hard game. We spent a lot of time in our zone against a really good team. It”s a really, really good win.” His humility belies the brilliance of his performance, particularly in those tense final moments when New Jersey threw everything at him in search of the tying goal.

Patrick Roy, the Islanders’ head coach and himself a Hall of Fame goaltender, knows excellence when he sees it. “I thought our guys were unbelievable on the penalty kill,” Roy said. “I mean, the blocked shots and when it wasn”t there, Ilya was phenomenal. He made some unbelievable saves for us, kept us in that game late, and gave us a chance.” Coming from a four-time Stanley Cup champion, such praise carries significant weight.

The defensive effort in front of Sorokin cannot be overlooked either. The Islanders blocked 19 shots throughout the game, sacrificing their bodies to protect their netminder. This symbiotic relationship between goaltender and defensemen exemplifies the team-first mentality that Devils fall to Islanders in overtime after seven-game home winning streak defines successful hockey clubs. When everyone commits to the defensive structure, results like this become possible even against high-powered offensive teams like New Jersey.

Bo Horvat’s offensive surge continues with crucial contributions

While goaltending won the game, the Islanders needed offensive production to even put themselves in position to win, and Bo Horvat delivered once again. The veteran center registered a goal and an assist, extending his point streak to six games with nine total points (six goals, three assists) during that span. His performance against the Devils continued a remarkable trend—he now has 11 goals in his past 11 games against New Jersey dating back to March 2022.

Horvat’s equalizing goal at 6:55 of the second period came at a crucial juncture. After the Islanders had weathered the early storm and killed off multiple penalties, they needed someone to capitalize on a Devils turnover in the neutral zone. Kyle Palmieri collected the loose puck and fed Horvat, who wasted no time firing a wrist shot from the slot that beat Jacob Markstrom clean. The goal demonstrated Horvat’s quick release and his ability to identify shooting lanes in high-traffic areas.

The chemistry between Horvat and Palmieri proved decisive throughout the night. Palmieri’s power-play goal with 2:53 remaining in regulation appeared to be the game-winner, as he cleaned up a rebound off Matthew Schaefer’s point shot. That goal represented exactly the kind of net-front presence that pays dividends in tight games. Horvat had assisted on the play, showcasing the duo’s ability to create opportunities for each other in critical situations.

“I thought we battled hard all night,” Horvat said postgame. “I thought Sorokin was unbelievable for us in net again. He made some phenomenal saves, especially towards the end of the game when they kind of made a little bit of a push. It was a fun hockey game to be a part of and it definitely feels good to be on the other side.” His comments reflect the understanding that winning requires contributions throughout the lineup, but his personal production has been nothing short of elite lately.

Since joining the Islanders, Horvat has established himself as exactly the kind of two-way center that championship teams need. His ability to score at even strength and on special teams, combined with responsible defensive play, makes him invaluable. Against a Devils team that entered the game with an 11-3-1 record, Horvat’s performance demonstrated why the Islanders invested heavily in him. He’s producing at nearly a point-per-game pace during his current stretch and showing no signs of slowing down.

The fact that Horvat seems to particularly excel against New Jersey adds an intriguing subplot to this divisional rivalry. Whether it’s familiarity with their defensive schemes or simply being in the right place at the right time, his 11 goals in 11 games against the Devils represents the kind of matchup dominance that can define playoff series. For an Islanders team fighting to secure a postseason berth, having a player who consistently produces against a division rival proves invaluable.

Mathew Barzal’s overtime winner showcases elite skill and composure

When the game reached overtime tied at 2-2, the Islanders needed someone with the skill and composure to finish the job. Mathew Barzal, the team’s most dynamic offensive talent, rose to the occasion with a spectacular individual effort that Barzal’s OT heroics lift Islanders to 3-2 OT win over Devils will be remembered as one of the signature moments of the season.

The sequence began with Jonathan Drouin making an excellent read along the left boards. As Barzal streaked down the middle of the ice, Drouin threaded a perfect pass through Luke Hughes’ feet, finding Barzal in stride. With space opening up before him, Barzal showed no hesitation. He skated directly at Markstrom and unleashed a quick snap shot that beat the goaltender high glove-side, sending the Islanders bench into celebration just 1:17 into overtime.

“[Drouin] just made a great pass, just read [it] right along [Luke Hughes’] feet,” Barzal explained. “Just kind of found some space in tight and tried to make something quick.” His description undersells the degree of difficulty involved. In 3-on-3 overtime, defenders are typically cautious about getting beaten cleanly, yet Barzal’s combination of speed and release left Markstrom with little chance. The goal exemplified everything that makes Barzal such a dangerous offensive weapon—exceptional skating, quick decision-making, and the confidence to attack rather than defer.

Beyond the winning goal itself, Barzal’s comments about the team’s overall approach reveal important insights about the Islanders’ identity. “I think that’s going to be the team we’re going to be this year,” Barzal said. “Games are not going to be pretty and those are ones you’ve got to find a way to win. That’s how teams get into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I think the overall effort was encouraging.”

This statement reflects maturity and understanding from a player who has experienced both playoff success and disappointment during his NHL career. The Islanders aren’t going to overwhelm opponents with offensive firepower like some of the league’s elite teams. Instead, they’ll need to grind out victories through strong goaltending, timely scoring, and defensive responsibility. Barzal’s acknowledgment of this reality demonstrates leadership beyond just his on-ice contributions.

The victory also represents validation for the Islanders’ road performance thus far on their current trip. After shutting out the Rangers 5-0 on Saturday, winning a tight, dramatic game in New Jersey showed versatility. Championship teams find different ways to win, whether through dominant performances or gutsy comebacks. The Islanders demonstrated both on consecutive nights, building confidence as they continue their seven-game journey away from home.

The dramatic nature of the victory—coming just moments after Nemec’s heartbreaking equalizer with five seconds left in regulation—tested the Islanders’ mental fortitude. Lesser teams might have deflated after watching a seemingly secure victory evaporate in the final moments. Instead, the Islanders regrouped during the intermission and came out in overtime with purpose. Barzal’s winner wasn’t just about skill; it was about refusing to let momentum shift completely and seizing the opportunity when it presented itself.

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The Islanders’ 3-2 overtime victory over the Devils represented far more than just two points in the standings. It showcased the three essential elements this team will need to rely upon throughout the season: elite goaltending from Sorokin, consistent offensive production from players like Horvat, and game-breaking ability from stars like Barzal. Each component proved crucial at different moments, demonstrating the balanced approach necessary for sustained success.

As the Islanders continue their extended road trip and the Devils regroup from their first home loss, both teams learned valuable lessons. For New York, the victory confirmed they possess the ingredients to compete with the Metropolitan Division’s best teams. For New Jersey, despite the disappointing result, they showed resilience in forcing overtime and will look to bounce back in their next contest. With the season still in its early stages and these division rivals scheduled to meet again on December 23rd at UBS Arena, this thriller at Prudential Center established the competitive intensity that will define their rivalry throughout the campaign.