Islanders Down Devils Late Behind Horvat's Winner

New York rallies for second straight victory heading into Olympic break

Feb. 5, 2026 at 9:55pm

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The New York Islanders overcame a sluggish start to defeat the New Jersey Devils 3-1 on Thursday night, with Bo Horvat scoring the game-winning goal late in the third period. The Islanders were outshot 24-14 on the night but got strong goaltending from Ilya Sorokin and timely defensive plays to keep the game close before Horvat's backhander put them ahead for good. The win ensures the Islanders remain one point behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for second place in the Metropolitan Division as they head into the three-week Olympic break.

Why it matters

The Islanders have now won two straight games despite not playing their best hockey, showcasing the team's resilience and ability to grind out victories even when facing adversity. This result keeps the Islanders in the thick of the playoff race in the Metropolitan Division as they look to build momentum heading into the second half of the season.

The details

The Islanders opened the scoring in the second period when Casey Cizikas cleaned up a rebound after an initial shot by Kyle MacLean. The Devils tied the game late in the second on a goal by Nico Hischier, but Horvat's backhander in the third period proved to be the game-winner. Mathew Barzal added an empty-net goal in the final minute to seal the victory.

  • The game was played on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
  • Cizikas scored the opening goal for the Islanders at the 6:30 mark of the second period.
  • Hischier tied the game for the Devils with 1:34 remaining in the second period.
  • Horvat scored the game-winning goal for the Islanders with 3:27 left in the third period.
  • Barzal scored the empty-net goal for the Islanders with 23.6 seconds remaining.

The players

Bo Horvat

The Islanders' center scored the game-winning goal in the third period, his second straight game with a clutch late-game goal.

Ilya Sorokin

The Islanders' goaltender made 23 saves to keep his team in the game despite being outshot.

Nico Hischier

The Devils' center scored the game-tying goal late in the second period to even the score at 1-1.

Patrick Roy

The Islanders' head coach praised his team's resilience and belief in finding ways to win, even when not playing their best.

Mathew Barzal

The Islanders' forward scored an empty-net goal in the final minute to seal the victory.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know what it is. Is it being bold and playing with that swagger and belief that we're going to find a way to win? I think that's what it is. We were confident, and right now, there's a lot of joy. They're having fun, and I don't think anyone wanted to leave this building without a win.”

— Patrick Roy, Head Coach

“Huge not only standings-wise, but confidence going into the break, knowing we're in a good spot. It's up to us to keep us there and keep getting wins after the break, too.”

— Bo Horvat

“It wasn't a clean draw win, and I just saw it lying there. I tried to battle as hard as I could to get it and saw I had a lane to the net. Allen tried to poke-check, and thankfully, I got around it and slipped it five-hole. Thankfully, it went in.”

— Bo Horvat

What’s next

The Islanders will now enter a three-week break for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, with Bo Horvat (Canada) and Ondrej Palat (Czechia) the only players from the team participating in the Games.

The takeaway

The Islanders' ability to grind out wins, even when not playing their best, demonstrates the team's resilience and determination to remain in the playoff race in the Metropolitan Division. Their strong finish heading into the Olympic break should provide a boost of confidence as they look to make a push for the postseason in the second half of the season.