Adam Pelech netted the go-ahead goal with just over a minute left in regulation, helping the New York Islanders slip past the New Jersey Devils 2–1 on Tuesday night.
Simon Holmstrom also scored for New York, while David Rittich turned away 28 shots as the Islanders snapped a three-game losing streak heading into the NHL’s holiday pause.
New Jersey got its lone goal from Brett Pesce, and Jacob Markstrom made 23 saves in the Devils’ second straight defeat.
The decisive moment came with 1:15 remaining when Islanders captain Anders Lee fired a cross-ice feed to Holmstrom for a one-timer that missed wide. Pelech jumped on the rebound and beat Markstrom to break the tie.
Holmstrom had earlier pulled New York even late in the second period after capitalizing on a costly Devils miscue. Markstrom left his net to play the puck in the corner, but a breakdown with defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler allowed Holmstrom to deposit the puck into an open cage.
Pesce opened the scoring late in the first period, tallying his first goal of the season in his 13th game with the Devils.
Rittich preserved the tie midway through the second period with a crucial breakaway stop on Jack Hughes, denying New Jersey a chance to regain the lead.
Up Next
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Devils: Host the Washington Capitals on Saturday.
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Islanders: Welcome the New York Rangers on Saturday.
