Playoff-hungry Islanders pick up crucial win over sliding Stars

New York moves back into final Eastern Conference wild-card spot with 2-1 victory

Mar. 27, 2026 at 5:57am

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The New York Islanders claimed two big points Thursday in their quest for a playoff spot with a 2-1 victory over the Dallas Stars in Elmont, N.Y. Bo Horvat scored to reach the 30-goal mark for the fourth time in his career, and Calum Ritchie added his 11th for the Islanders. Ilya Sorokin made 26 saves in the victory, which moved the Islanders back into the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

Why it matters

The Islanders are fighting for a playoff spot, and this win over the sliding Stars was crucial to their postseason hopes. The Islanders have been inconsistent this season, and this victory could provide a much-needed boost as they look to secure a playoff berth.

The details

Horvat put the Islanders ahead less than five minutes into the contest, and Ritchie doubled the lead in the third period. Sorokin nearly recorded his eighth shutout of the season, but Matt Duchene scored late to make it a one-goal game. The Islanders held on for the victory, which, combined with Pittsburgh's win over Ottawa, moved them back into the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 27, 2026.

The players

Bo Horvat

A forward for the New York Islanders who scored his 30th goal of the season in the game.

Calum Ritchie

A forward for the New York Islanders who scored his 11th goal of the season in the game.

Ilya Sorokin

The goaltender for the New York Islanders who made 26 saves in the victory.

Matt Duchene

A forward for the Dallas Stars who scored their lone goal in the game.

Jake Oettinger

The goaltender for the Dallas Stars who made 23 saves in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This game was a crucial win for the playoff-hungry Islanders, as they moved back into the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot with the victory over the sliding Stars. The Islanders have been inconsistent this season, and this win could provide a much-needed boost as they look to secure a playoff berth.