On Saturday night in New York, the New York Islanders secured a 4-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, clinching the win 4 minutes and 11 seconds into overtime. Matthew Shaffer scored the game-winning goal, while Adam Perek and Emil Heinemann also found the net. Jonathan Drouin and Matthew Barzal contributed two assists each, helping the Islanders earn their second win in three games. Goalie David Rittich made 18 saves in his seventh straight start, with Ilya Sorokin as the backup for the first time since December 19.
For the Maple Leafs, Auston Matthews scored twice, bringing his total goals for the franchise to 421, tying him with Hall of Famer Mats Sundin for the most in franchise history. Nicholas Robertson also scored, and Joseph Woll recorded 21 saves. In overtime, Barzal set up Shaffer, the 18-year-old rookie defenseman, who scored the decisive goal past Woll.
Matthews’ two goals in the second period helped him tie Sundin’s franchise record at 420 points, including a one-timer goal late in the period giving Toronto a 2-1 lead and marking his 20th goal of the season. Shaffer tied the game at 8:50 in the third period, and shortly after, Robertson scored the go-ahead goal off a Heinemann turnover. Heinemann redeemed himself by scoring the tying goal on a power play with 2:45 remaining in regulation, assisted by Barzal. Ryan Pelech opened the scoring for the Islanders early in the second period.
This milestone also makes Auston Matthews the first U.S.-born player to lead a Canadian franchise in career goals, joining the ranks of notable U.S. players like Mike Modano who have held franchise scoring records.
Looking ahead, the Maple Leafs will host the Florida Panthers on Tuesday, while the Islanders will welcome the New Jersey Devils the same night.
Fan Take: This thrilling overtime win highlights the fierce competition and emerging young talent in the NHL, underscoring why fans should be excited about the future of hockey. Matthews’ record-breaking performance not only cements his legacy but also showcases the growing influence of American players in a traditionally Canadian-dominated sport.
