Mathew Barzal scored the game-winning goal with just 1:25 remaining, securing a 2-1 victory for the New York Islanders over the Utah Hockey Club on Saturday night. The win snapped a season-long struggle for consistency and capped off a flawless road trip for the Islanders.
Barzal delivers in crunch time as the Islanders’ top line dominates.
The Islanders’ top trio of Mathew Barzal, Anders Lee, and Brock Nelson proved decisive, especially late in the game. Barzal seized on a loose rebound in the low slot, lifting the puck over a sprawling Connor Ingram to seal the victory. Ingram, despite making 30 saves in his first start in nearly two months, couldn’t withstand the relentless pressure from New York’s offense in the final moments.
“That goal was a team effort,” Barzal said after the game. “We kept it simple, cycled the puck, and created chances when it mattered most.”
Barzal’s goal came just minutes after Nelson tied the game with a perfectly executed one-timer. The chemistry between the trio was evident throughout the game and could be a key factor for the Islanders moving forward.
Hogberg earns first NHL win in nearly four years.
Stepping in for starting goaltender Ilya Sorokin, sidelined with an illness, Marcus Hogberg made the most of his opportunity. The Swedish netminder stopped 21 shots and earned his first NHL win since 2021. His calm demeanor and timely saves kept the Islanders in the game, especially during a pivotal penalty kill late in the third period.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” Hogberg said. “I’ve worked hard to stay ready, and tonight it paid off.”
Hogberg’s performance was particularly impressive given the circumstances. With Sorokin out and the team on the final leg of a road trip, the pressure was on. Islanders coach Lane Lambert praised Hogberg’s poise, saying, “He was steady and gave us exactly what we needed tonight. It’s great to see him get that win after all the hard work he’s put in.”
Nelson’s equalizer sparks the comeback.
The Islanders trailed for much of the game after Nick Schmaltz opened the scoring for Utah just 1:13 into the second period. Schmaltz tipped a point shot from Michael Kesselring, giving the home team an early edge. However, Utah was unable to capitalize further, thanks to Hogberg’s steady presence in net.
The turning point came in the third period when Brock Nelson tied the game at 1-1 with a perfectly executed one-timer. The play was set up by Anders Lee, who threaded a cross-ice pass, leaving Nelson with a wide-open net. The goal was Nelson’s 12th of the season and marked a critical momentum shift for New York.
“We’ve been working hard to find consistency,” Nelson said. “That goal gave us the spark we needed to finish strong.”
Takeaways and what’s next.
The Islanders’ victory is significant not just because it marked their first three-game winning streak of the season, but also because it showcased their ability to rally in high-pressure situations. Prior to Saturday, New York had a dismal 1-11-1 record when trailing after two periods. This win could signal a turning point as they work to stay in the playoff hunt.
The chemistry among the top line of Barzal, Lee, and Nelson continues to grow, giving the team a reliable offensive foundation. Additionally, Hogberg’s performance provides reassurance in their goaltending depth as the team gears up for a crucial seven-game homestand.
The Islanders (17-18-7) will return to Long Island to face the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night, where they’ll look to build on their momentum. Meanwhile, the Utah Hockey Club (18-17-7) continues their homestand against the Montreal Canadiens, hoping to reverse their recent struggles and regain their footing in the Western Conference standings.
Final thoughts on the Islanders’ resilience.
Saturday night’s win highlighted the Islanders’ ability to overcome adversity, a trait they’ll need to maintain as they fight for a wild card spot. The contributions from Mathew Barzal, Brock Nelson, and Marcus Hogberg demonstrate the team’s depth and determination to turn their season around.
With their upcoming homestand, the Islanders have a chance to solidify their position in the playoff race. For Utah, finding consistency on both ends of the ice will be critical to remaining competitive in a tight Western Conference.
