New York Islanders
Islanders Utilize Another Dominant Second; Down Blue Jackets 3-1

ELMONT, NY — The New York Islanders (19-20-7) took over a second straight game in the second period, bowling over the Columbus Blue Jackets (22-18-7). The game finished X-1, with Bo Horvat’s second-period pair lifting the Islanders to the win. Mathew Barzal had a primary assist on both of Horvat’s goals, as the duo has made some magic happen together in the last two games.
It’s the first time since December 19, 2023, that the Islanders scored both a power play and short-handed goal in the same game. Simon Holmstrom shorty tonight marked his first since that very game back in 2023 against the Edmonton Oilers.Â
The special teams shined for New York, with the kill going 3/4, including going a dominant 3/3 in the second frame.
Ilya Sorokin denied 25 in his first win since his shutout of the Vegas Golden Knights on January 9. Elvis Merzlikins, who shut out New York back on October 30, turned aside 22 in the loss.
First Period:
The first period started off as poor as it could for the Islanders. Just 4:16 in, the officials called Anders Lee for a blatant tripping penalty. 36 seconds later, the Blue Jackets power play made it 1-0. Kent Johnson’s wrister ripped through a crowd and past a screened Sorokin, who likely wanted the goal back.
The rest of the first period slipped away quietly and without much fervor from either side. The Islanders out-possessed Columbus but failed to generate any serious looks.
Second Period:
Right out of the gates in the second, that changed. Brock Nelson’s wraparound try came so close to scoring that the league stopped the game to review it just 32 seconds into the frame.
11 seconds later, Horvat tied the game at one. Barzal, from Gretzky’s office, received a pass from Adam Pelech. Barzal steadied the puck and drew in defenders before slinging the pass to Horvat, who rifled home.
Less than a minute after the goal, Casey Cizikas took the first of two minor penalties in the second frame. However, after not allowing Columbus any possession, Zach Werenski blew a tire at his own blue line.
That allowed Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Holmstrom to walk in on a two-on-one where Holmstrom blasted home his opportunity. The goal marked Holmstrom’s first since returning from injury and his first since December 15 against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The onslaught continued when Adam Fantilli took an interference minor one minute after that. On the power play, Barzal skated circles around the Jackets before finding an open Horvat, who wired home his second of the period.
It took 5:03 of game time for the Islanders to score three goals and take control of the game. It could’ve been worse. Nelson had multiple glorious opportunities robbed by Merzlikins. Lee had a rebound try blocked by Ivan Provorov. Otherwise, it would’ve gone into the empty cage.
The Islanders had just six shots in the first. They doubled that total in the second with 12.
Third Period:
Much like Saturday, the Islanders shook down Columbus in the third. Barzal’s first shift featured him continuing to buzz around the zone. Marc Gatcomb, on a strong forecheck, nearly scored his first NHL goal.
The Islanders received an early period power play courtesy of a Justin Danforth holding infraction. Again, the Islanders showed an improved strategy on the power play but failed to convert. However, the improved special teams are extremely encouraging for the Islanders.
Early in the period, Cole Sillinger laid a hit on Noah Dobson. Dobson limped off after his knee seemingly bent the wrong way and did not return.
Pierre Engvall later got into a heavy pushing and shoving match with Sean Kuraly, something he isn’t quite known for. The two received matching minors, and the teams skated at four apiece.
The game slowly wound down, and the Islanders kept Columbus from any major scoring chances. There was some added bite between whistles, but nothing too wild.
It’s another confidence building win, but one that may be coming too little, too late. The Islanders, despite the win, remain in 15th place in the Eastern Conference and seven points outside of a playoff spot.