Islanders Thrive in Overtime, Remain Undefeated in 3-on-3 Play

New York's NHL team has found the secret to winning close games that go beyond regulation.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 1:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New York Islanders have been dominant in overtime this season, going 8-0 in games decided by an overtime goal. This is a stark contrast to two seasons ago when they had 16 overtime and shootout losses. The team credits their strong puck possession and defensive structure in 3-on-3 play as the keys to their overtime success.

Why it matters

The Islanders' ability to win close games that go to overtime could be a major factor in whether they make the playoffs this season. In a tight Eastern Conference race, gaining points from overtime wins rather than losses could make the difference between making or missing the postseason.

The details

After two overtime wins on a recent road trip, the Islanders are a perfect 8-0 in games decided by an overtime goal, though they have suffered five shootout losses. The team credits their strong puck possession and defensive structure in 3-on-3 play as the keys to their overtime success. In their latest overtime win against the Blue Jackets, the Islanders lost the opening faceoff but quickly gained possession and never let Columbus touch the puck again, with Simon Holmstrom scoring the winner off a feed from Tony DeAngelo.

  • The Islanders' overtime success has come this season (2026-27).
  • Two seasons ago, the Islanders had 16 overtime and shootout losses (2024-25).

The players

Bo Horvat

An Islanders forward who credits the team's puck possession and defensive structure in 3-on-3 play as keys to their overtime success.

Simon Holmstrom

The Islanders forward who scored the overtime winner against the Blue Jackets.

Patrick Roy

The Islanders' head coach who said he would not have made the goaltender interference challenge that the Blue Jackets' coach did.

Ilya Sorokin

The Islanders' goaltender who stopped 27 of 30 shots in the win over the Blue Jackets.

David Rittich

The Islanders' likely starting goaltender for the game against the Panthers on Sunday.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think it's a lot of puck possession. But I think our structure within our 3-on-3 game, we don't give up much. I find everybody sticks to their man-on-man and does it the right way.”

— Bo Horvat, Islanders forward

“I think you never know what's gonna happen with overtime. There's always gonna be a lot of chances from both teams. It's just a matter of possessing the puck and making the right plays at the right time. Getting the changes in, being able to keep them on the ice and get them tired. I think we've been doing a really good job of that this season.”

— Simon Holmstrom, Islanders forward

“The contact was not in the crease. If it's not in the crease, I don't know if I would challenge anything right now in the league.”

— Patrick Roy, Islanders head coach

What’s next

The Islanders will look to continue their overtime success when they host the Florida Panthers on Sunday, the second game of a back-to-back.

The takeaway

The Islanders' ability to win close games that go to overtime has been a major factor in their success this season. Their strong puck possession and defensive structure in 3-on-3 play have allowed them to remain undefeated in overtime, a stark contrast to their struggles in that area just two seasons ago.