The New York Islanders overcame a blown 2-0 lead to edge out the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 in a shootout. Goaltender David Rittich, starting his fifth straight game, stopped all three shootout attempts, allowing Bo Horvat to net the game-winning goal.
Here’s a summary of the game:
Callum Ritchie made an impressive return after being a healthy scratch on Sunday, scoring his fifth goal of the season just 2:56 into the first period, assisted by Simon Holmstrom. Holmstrom has been on fire lately, tallying eight points (four goals, four assists) in his last nine games.
Horvat extended the Islanders’ lead to 2-0 on the power play with his 21st assist of the season, credited to Mathew Barzal from the slot at 12:08 of the second period. This goal also marked the second assist for newcomer Matthew Schaefer, the Islanders’ No. 1 overall pick, who at 18 years and 116 days became the youngest defenseman in NHL history to reach that milestone.
However, the Blackhawks fought back to even the score. Teuvo Teravainen scored on a short-side shot off an offensive zone faceoff at 15:31 of the second period, and then Nick Lardis tied the game with a goal just three seconds before the end of the period while the Islanders were trying to manage a double-minor high-stick penalty on Horvat.
Looking ahead, the Islanders will face the Utah Mammoths at home on New Year’s Day at 3 PM ET.
Fan Take: This thrilling comeback victory highlights the Islanders’ resilience and depth, making them a team to watch as the season progresses. It also underscores the rising talent in the league, demonstrating how young stars like Matthew Schaefer are shaping the future of hockey.
