Mathew Barzal scored 1:17 into overtime and Ilya Sorokin turned aside 32 shots, lifting the New York Islanders to a 3-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Monday night.
The Islanders survived a dramatic finish to regulation, where Simon Nemec forced overtime with 4.7 seconds remaining, firing a shot through traffic past Sorokin after Jacob Markstrom was pulled for an extra attacker. Following a brief review, the goal stood — but Barzal quickly ended it in 3-on-3 overtime, beating Markstrom with a wrist shot to seal the win.
Kyle Palmieri had earlier given the Islanders a late 2-1 lead on a power play, pouncing on a rebound after Matthew Schaefer, the top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and an early Calder Trophy favorite, fired a shot from the point. Palmieri also assisted on Bo Horvat’s second-period equalizer, helping the Islanders rally after falling behind early.
The Devils opened the scoring just 2:12 into the game when Timo Meier buried a power-play goal off crisp passing, leaving Sorokin little chance. The Islanders didn’t register their first shot on net until more than nine minutes into the first period, but steadily found their rhythm as the game progressed.
Sorokin was steady once again, continuing his stretch of standout performances since incorporating advice from head coach Patrick Roy, the Hall of Fame goaltender. Markstrom made 22 saves for New Jersey in the loss.
Up Next:
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Islanders: Begin a three-game Western road trip Thursday against the Vegas Golden Knights.
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Devils: Start a five-game road swing Wednesday versus the Chicago Blackhawks.
