Islanders Show Resilience in Thrilling Comeback Win
ST. LOUIS - The Islanders are showcasing a knack for thrilling comebacks, demonstrating grit and determination that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. While constantly rallying from behind isn’t the ideal strategy for a playoff push, there's something undeniably captivating about their never-say-die attitude.
“We talk about it all year to be bold and play with some swagger and clarity and believe in what we’re doing,” coach Patrick Roy said. “That’s all we’re doing.”
Their latest escapade was a 4-3 overtime victory against the Blues at the Enterprise Center. Former Blues captain Brayden Schenn made a triumphant return just six days after being traded, contributing to the Islanders’ success. Despite spotting the Blues a three-goal lead, the Islanders clawed back, aided by a crucial offside challenge by Roy.
“Resilient from the inside and they back it up on the ice,” Schenn noted, impressed by his new team’s fighting spirit. “There is a positive mindset around here.
It’s a team built on culture and character, and you can definitely tell. They have a no-quit attitude in this room.
They’re a team. They truly want to play hard for each other.”
This victory wrapped up a 2-2-0 road trip, with Schenn’s debut marked by a 2-1 overtime win in San Jose. The Islanders (37-23-5) remain in third place in the Metropolitan Division, closely trailed by the Blue Jackets, who are three points behind with a game in hand. The Penguins, tied in points but with a game in hand, sit in second.
Key contributions came from Jean-Gabriel Pageau with a late second-period goal, and rookie Cal Ritchie, who netted a power-play goal and set up Bo Horvat’s goal shortly after. Mathew Barzal sealed the win with the overtime goal.
“We just have a lot of heart in this room,” Ritchie said. “There’s so many veteran guys that never give up, and they’re saying the right things in the room. We’re never out of the game.”
The Islanders have shown this resilience repeatedly, winning three straight after the Olympic break despite early deficits.
Their road trip started shakily, with a 5-1 loss in Anaheim after conceding three quick goals. The next game in Los Angeles saw them fall behind by three goals in a 5-3 defeat.
Against the Blues, things looked grim when Robert Thomas scored, but Roy’s successful challenge kept the deficit manageable. Goalie Ilya Sorokin, feeling the pressure, thought he might be pulled but stayed focused after the overturned goal.
“I felt bad at 4-0,” Sorokin admitted. “I see the shots attempted at 30-10.
I said, ‘Oh, my god.’ I looked at Ritty and maybe I’ll get changed today.
But it was no goal. After that, I play simple and try to play every shot like the last shot.”
The night was emotional for Schenn, who received a heartfelt video tribute for his time with the Blues, including highlights of the 2019 Stanley Cup win. The standing ovation and his heartfelt response showed the deep connection he still feels with St. Louis.
Schenn, adjusting to his new team, reflected on the transition from “they” to “we” with the Islanders. “Yeah, it’s a good question,” Schenn said.
“I haven’t dealt with being new for a long time. You have some moments of the rookie feeling.
You’re trying to get your surroundings. You’re trying not to get in the way of guys’ routines.
I’m comfortable speaking in the room. I don’t think it will really take long.”
For the Islanders, whatever works is working just fine.