The New York Islanders defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. The home team controlled the game from start to finish: New York led 1-0 after the first period, pushed the advantage to 3-0 through the second, and after Chicago made it 1-3 in the third, the Islanders sealed the win with an empty-net goal to secure the final scoreline.
Horvat opens the scoring on the power play
New York got on the board in the first period through Bo Horvat. The Islanders' new captain extended his personal streak, scoring a power-play goal for the third consecutive game. The play began with a won face-off. Matthew Schaefer moved the puck from the blue line toward the net, and Horvat tucked home the rebound in front with a snap shot.
It was another defining moment in Horvat's first season as Islanders captain — a role he assumed in September when he was named the franchise's 16th captain. The 1-0 lead gave New York control of the game without yet putting it out of reach.
Islanders pull away in the second period
The Islanders capitalized on their opportunities more decisively in the second period. Emil Heineman extended the lead after a Chicago turnover. Matias Maccelli found the Swedish winger in the high slot, and Heineman beat Arvid Soderblom under his stick. Adam Pelech also recorded an assist on the play.
Anthony Duclair made it 3-0 shortly after. Logan Stanley found Duclair at the right face-off circle, and the forward fired a snap shot past Soderblom. Jean-Gabriel Pageau was credited with the additional assist. New York headed into the second intermission with a commanding 3-0 advantage.
Chicago responds, but Horvat has the final say
The Blackhawks found an answer in the third period. Frank Nazar cut the deficit to 1-3 with assists from Patrick Kane and Sam Rinzel, keeping Chicago in the game — but the goal sparked no comeback. The Islanders held their lead and did not allow another even-strength goal the rest of the way.
Bo Horvat provided the decisive moment to round out the scoring. After Chicago pulled their goaltender, the Islanders captain scored into the empty net, with Logan Stanley picking up the assist. New York closed out the 4-1 victory.
Sorokin gives the Islanders a steady hand
Ilya Sorokin was a key factor in the home win. The Islanders goaltender stopped 22 shots and conceded only Frank Nazar's goal, meaning Sorokin has allowed just one goal total across his two home starts this season. His performance kept New York composed even as Chicago stepped up the pressure in the third period.
For the Blackhawks, the night ended without the road result they were looking for. Chicago had arrived in New York with just one win from four games. The Islanders, by contrast, made the most of their second home game of the season — winning in regulation without overtime and celebrating the victory under their new captain, Bo Horvat.
