The New York Islanders bounced back from a two-game losing streak with a strong 3-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Bo Horvat and Anders Lee both found the back of the net on the power play, while Simon Holmstrom added a short-handed goal for the Islanders.
The team’s commitment to winning was evident, with forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau emphasizing the importance of winning battles, clearing the puck, and blocking shots. The Islanders also had to deal with adversity, playing with just 11 forwards for most of the game after Julien Gauthier suffered an injury in the second period.
Despite the challenges, New York coach Lane Lambert praised his team’s resilience and ability to manage their ice time effectively. On the other side, the Oilers struggled to find their footing, with forward Derek Ryan pointing to special teams as a major factor in their loss.
With the win, the Islanders improved to 6-1-2 in December, while the Oilers have now dropped three games in a row. The victory was a testament to the Islanders’ determination and ability to overcome obstacles, setting them up for continued success as the season progresses.