ELMONT, NY — Emil Heineman secured the New York Islanders’ win by scoring the decisive shootout goal in the fourth round, leading the team to a 5-4 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night at UBS Arena.
Pavel Dorofeyev of Vegas tied the game with 12.1 seconds remaining in regulation, pushing the contest to overtime after Bo Horvat’s second goal had put the Islanders ahead in the third period. Dorofeyev capitalized on a rebound from Mitch Marner’s shot, sending the game into extra time.
Shortly after, Kyle MacLean received a high-stick penalty upon official review, putting the Islanders at a disadvantage for most of the overtime period. Constant pressure from the Knights resulted in only two power-play shots, both saved by Ilya Sorokin, who totaled 31 saves. Vegas goalie Carter Hart made 23 saves.
The Islanders (17-11-3, 37 points) have won four out of their last five games, including victories over the Tampa Bay Lightning and a dominant win against the Colorado Avalanche.
The Knights’ first-period goals came from rebounds allowed by Sorokin. Noah Hanifin scored off a save from Jack Eichel’s shot during 4-on-4 play. Shortly after, Mitch Marner scored on a rebound from a Kaedan Korczak attempt.
The Islanders reduced the deficit with a late first-period goal as Horvat converted a Ryan Pulock pass. Marc Gatcomb equalized with a tip-in goal early in the second period, assisted by Casey Cizikas. Holmstrom then put the Islanders ahead with a wrist shot set up by Calum Ritchie and Anthony Duclair.
Ivan Barbashev tied the game for Vegas early in the third period, sending a diving poke check past Sorokin. Horvat restored the Islanders’ lead, scoring on a power-play with a one-timer through Hart’s legs.
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