Bo Horvat's OT winner lifts Islanders over Penguins 5-4

Horvat's breakaway goal in overtime caps a back-and-forth thriller between the Metropolitan Division rivals.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:07pm

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In a game that saw the lead change hands several times, Bo Horvat scored the game-winning goal 52 seconds into overtime to lift the New York Islanders to a 5-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Horvat had already scored once earlier in the game, while rookie Matthew Schaefer and Mathew Barzal also found the back of the net for the Islanders. The win snaps a two-game skid for New York and keeps them firmly in the playoff race heading into the Olympic break.

Why it matters

The Islanders' season has been a rollercoaster, but this hard-fought victory over a divisional rival shows they still have the fight and talent to compete for a playoff spot in the crowded Metropolitan Division. Horvat's heroics in overtime will provide a much-needed confidence boost for the team.

The details

The game featured several lead changes, with the Penguins jumping out to an early 1-0 lead before the Islanders responded with goals from Horvat and Schaefer to take a 2-1 lead after the first period. Pittsburgh then scored twice in the second to go up 3-2, but Barzal tied it in the third before a late Penguins goal put the visitors back on top. However, Ryan Pulock scored late in regulation to force overtime, setting the stage for Horvat's game-winning breakaway goal just 52 seconds into the extra period.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.
  • Horvat scored the game-winning goal 52 seconds into overtime.

The players

Bo Horvat

The Islanders' star center, who scored twice in the game including the overtime winner.

Matthew Schaefer

The Islanders' rookie sensation, who scored his 16th goal of the season in the first period.

Mathew Barzal

The Islanders' skilled playmaker, who scored the game-tying goal in the third period.

Ilya Sorokin

The Islanders' goaltender, who made 31 saves to earn the victory.

Ryan Pulock

The Islanders' defenseman, who scored the late game-tying goal to force overtime.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was a big game for us heading into the break, and the guys really stepped up. Bo was huge, as usual, and the whole team battled hard to get this win.”

— Lane Lambert, Islanders Head Coach (Islanders team statement)

What’s next

The Islanders will now head into the Olympic break before returning to action on February 26th against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The takeaway

This thrilling overtime victory against a divisional rival shows the Islanders still have the fight and talent to compete for a playoff spot in the crowded Metropolitan Division. Horvat's heroics will provide a much-needed confidence boost as the team looks to build momentum coming out of the Olympic break.