NEWARK, N.J. — Mathew Barzal played hero on Monday night, scoring just 1:17 into overtime as the New York Islanders edged the New Jersey Devils 3–2 in a dramatic finish at Prudential Center.
The win came moments after heartbreak seemed imminent — Simon Nemec had tied the game for New Jersey with 4.7 seconds left in regulation, forcing overtime on a 6-on-5 flurry with the goalie pulled. After a lengthy video review, officials confirmed the puck crossed the line, setting up the extra session.
But Barzal made sure the Islanders didn’t leave empty-handed. Collecting the puck off a neutral-zone turnover, the veteran forward raced into the Devils’ zone and ripped a wrist shot past Jacob Markstrom for the game-winner.
“We knew we had to respond,” Barzal said. “You can’t let something like that rattle you. I just wanted to end it before they got any more momentum.”
Palmieri, Sorokin Anchor Islanders’ Effort
Kyle Palmieri was instrumental in the win against his former team, scoring on the power play late in the third period to give New York a 2–1 lead and assisting on Bo Horvat’s earlier equalizer.
Palmieri’s goal came off a rebound from rookie Matthew Schaefer’s sharp-angle shot — the 18-year-old No. 1 overall pick who’s quickly becoming a front-runner for the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie.
Between the pipes, Ilya Sorokin was once again stellar, stopping 32 of 34 shots, including several high-danger chances in the second and third periods. The All-Star goaltender has looked rejuvenated since working closely with head coach Patrick Roy, himself a Hall of Famer known for his technical precision.
“He’s been calm, composed, and tracking everything,” Roy said postgame. “You could see it again tonight — big saves at key moments.”
Devils Start Fast, Fade Late
New Jersey jumped ahead just 2:12 into the first period when Timo Meier converted on the power play, finishing off a crisp passing sequence that left Sorokin with little chance. But the early spark didn’t last.
The Devils managed just one goal the rest of the night, struggling to capitalize despite outshooting the Islanders 34–25. Markstrom finished with 22 saves but was hung out to dry on both Palmieri’s rebound tally and Barzal’s OT winner.
“We played a strong game for the most part,” Devils coach Lindy Ruff said. “But against a team like that, a few missed assignments make the difference.”
Up Next:
- Islanders: Travel west to face the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, kicking off a three-game road swing.Devils: Begin a five-game road trip Wednesday in Chicago against the Blackhawks.
