The Toronto Maple Leafs beat the New York Islanders 2-1 to earn their second win of the young season. Toronto took control in the first period, navigated a scoreless second, and then had to weather a late challenge in the third after the Islanders pulled one back. The goal added some tension to the closing stages, but ultimately did nothing to change the outcome.
Toronto capitalised early
The game was the Islanders' season opener and Toronto's second game of the year. The Maple Leafs came in looking to respond after a 2-3 opening-night loss to Montreal. The matchup also drew extra attention due to the presence of the two most recent consecutive first-overall NHL Draft picks on opposing sides: Gavin McKenna for Toronto, Matthew Schaefer for New York.
Colton Sissons opened the scoring in the seventh minute, deflecting a pass from Nick Paul into the net to give the Maple Leafs the early lead. Toronto took control of the game from that point, while the Islanders found themselves chasing the play.
In the 11th minute, Easton Cowan made it 2-0 on the power play. Morgan Rielly held the zone and found Jack Roslovic, whose shot bounced back to Cowan, who redirected it home. Special teams gave Toronto an additional edge, and the task for New York grew steeper before the first period was even complete.
Islanders failed to find an answer in the middle frame
The second period ended without a goal. Toronto protected their lead without adding to it, and New York failed to make the pressure count. Heading into the third period, the situation remained clear: the Maple Leafs led by two, while the Islanders needed a strong response.
Ilya Sorokin was in goal for the Islanders, making his first regular-season start after a full outing in the preseason. Toronto went with Anthony Stolarz, who started again following the opening-night defeat to Montreal and finished with 26 saves.
Heineman brought the tension back
The Islanders fought back in the third period. Emil Heineman scored in the 14th minute of the final frame to pull one back for New York, with Bo Horvat picking up the assist. The goal shifted the momentum in the closing stages, forcing Toronto to defend their slim lead carefully as the Islanders pushed for the equaliser.
The comeback ultimately fell short. Toronto held on to seal the 2-1 win, and the final score reflected the importance of the opening period: the Maple Leafs capitalised on their early chances, while New York's response came too late.
What the result means
For Toronto, the victory was a direct answer to their season-opening stumble against Montreal. The Maple Leafs decided the game with two first-period goals and held their nerve even after conceding late. Colton Sissons and Easton Cowan scored the winners, while Emil Heineman provided the Islanders' only reply.
New York opened the new season without a point. The absence of Mathew Barzal through injury meant Bo Horvat captained the Islanders in his place. The NHL on Prime broadcast drew added interest thanks to the McKenna-Schaefer storyline, but on the ice it was Toronto's efficient start that proved to be the difference.
