Islanders 2, Stars 1: Schaefer ties Potvin in important win

Bo Horvat and Cal Ritchie scored to lift the Islanders to a crucial victory over the Dallas Stars.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:18am

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The New York Islanders defeated the Dallas Stars 2-1 in an important game for their playoff hopes. Bo Horvat opened the scoring early, and Cal Ritchie netted the game-winner in the third period. Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer recorded two assists, tying him with Denis Potvin for the second-most points by an Islanders rookie defenseman. Goaltender Ilya Sorokin made key saves to preserve the win for the Islanders, who remain in the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Why it matters

This victory was crucial for the Islanders as they continue to battle for a playoff spot. The win keeps them tied with the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second wild card position, though the Islanders have played one more game. Schaefer's performance also has historical significance, as he ties a franchise rookie record held by Islanders legend Denis Potvin.

The details

Bo Horvat opened the scoring for the Islanders early in the first period, with Matthew Schaefer recording an assist. The Islanders held a 1-0 lead until Cal Ritchie scored the game-winning goal in the third period. Schaefer's two assists on the night gave him 54 points on the season, tying him with Potvin for the second-most points by an Islanders rookie defenseman. Goaltender Ilya Sorokin made several key saves to preserve the Islanders' lead, including a late push by the Stars after they pulled their goalie.

  • The Islanders scored the opening goal five minutes into the first period.
  • Cal Ritchie scored the game-winning goal early in the third period.
  • Matthew Schaefer recorded his 53rd and 54th points of the season, tying Denis Potvin's franchise rookie record for an Islanders defenseman.

The players

Bo Horvat

An Islanders forward who scored the opening goal in the first period.

Cal Ritchie

An Islanders forward who scored the game-winning goal in the third period.

Matthew Schaefer

An Islanders defenseman who recorded two assists, tying him with Denis Potvin for the second-most points by an Islanders rookie defenseman.

Ilya Sorokin

The Islanders' goaltender who made several key saves to preserve the win.

Matt Duchene

A Stars forward who scored the lone goal for Dallas late in the third period.

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What they’re saying

“This was a huge win for us in the playoff race. Ilya Sorokin was outstanding in net, and our guys really battled hard to get those two points.”

— Bo Horvat, Islanders Forward

“Tying Potvin's rookie record is an honor, but I'm just focused on helping the team win games and make the playoffs. We've got a big stretch coming up.”

— Matthew Schaefer, Islanders Defenseman

What’s next

The Islanders will host the Florida Panthers on Saturday, March 28th, in another crucial game as they continue to fight for a playoff spot.

The takeaway

The Islanders' hard-fought victory over the Stars keeps them in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, and Matthew Schaefer's historic performance cements his status as a rising star on the Islanders' blue line.