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Islanders blow late lead and fall to Devils on Jack Hughes’ OT goal
The Islanders lost 5-4 to the Devils in overtime after surrendering a 4-2 lead in the third period, leaving them winless across a three-game homestand. Jack Hughes scored the winner, capping a game in which New Jersey had the better of the play and the Islanders struggled to sustain pressure.
The teams traded early goals, with Anthony Duclair, Evan Rodrigues, Simon Holmstrom and Luke Evangelista among the scorers. Ilya Sorokin made several important saves, but a Dougie Hamilton power-play goal tied the game after the Islanders faced a five-on-three; Mathew Barzal and Matias Maccelli are progressing towards returns from injury.
In short
- Islanders let a 4-2 lead slip.
- Jack Hughes scored the overtime winner.
- The loss completed a winless three-game homestand.
Explained simply
The New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils are rival teams in the National Hockey League, the top professional ice hockey league in North America. They both play in the league’s Eastern Conference, where results affect their chances of reaching the post-season playoffs.
A game can go to overtime if the score is level at the end of normal time; the first team to score then wins. Teams can also receive penalties that give their opponents a numerical advantage, including a five-on-three power play, when two players from one side are in the penalty box at the same time.
The Islanders have been managing injuries to forwards Mathew Barzal and Matias Maccelli, while goaltender Ilya Sorokin is a key part of their defence. Results during the regular season help determine which teams qualify for the playoffs.