The New York Islanders secured a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday night, marking their third consecutive win. Jean-Gabriel Pageau's short-handed goal in overtime sealed the deal after a back-and-forth contest. Here are three key takeaways from the Islanders' dramatic win.
Pageau's Heroics in Overtime
Jean-Gabriel Pageau's unassisted short-handed goal at 3:02 into overtime was the decisive moment, showcasing skill and composure under pressure. After a delayed penalty was called on the Islanders for having too many men on the ice, Pageau picked up a loose puck near his own zone. He then skated up the right wing and fired a wrist shot from the top of the right circle, beating Golden Knights goalie Akira Schmid on the blocker side. Pageau described his mindset simply: "That's what you do in Vegas, right? Take a chance, play the odds, put the puck on net and it went in".
Resilient Mentality
The Islanders demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the game. After surrendering a 2-0 lead, they found themselves trailing 3-2 in the third period. Mathew Barzal tied the game with a clutch goal with 2:37 remaining in regulation, setting the stage for Pageau's overtime heroics. This comeback win underscores the Islanders' tenacity and their ability to perform under pressure, building on their recent trend of resilient performances.
Sorokin's Solid Performance and Key Defensive Plays
Ilya Sorokin's performance in goal was crucial to the Islanders' victory. He made 26 saves, improving his record to 4-0-1 in his last five starts. Sorokin made a key save on Jack Eichel during a delayed penalty in overtime. Although Shea Theodore managed to score Vegas' first goal late in the second period after maneuvering through the Islanders' defense, Sorokin's overall performance provided a solid foundation for the Islanders to secure the win.
With this win, the Islanders have improved to 5-1-1 in their last seven games and now hold a top wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Golden Knights, on the other hand, have struggled, losing their fourth straight game and seventh in their last nine.
