Ryan Pulock capitalized on a power-play opportunity in overtime, leading the New York Islanders to a 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights in a fast-paced and physical game on Thursday night.
Pulock’s game-winning goal came 3:20 into the extra period after Jonathan Marchessault was penalized for tripping, giving the Islanders a 4-on-3 advantage. Pulock’s fourth goal of the season, assisted by Anders Lee, sealed the win for New York and extended their home winning streak to seven games at Nassau Coliseum.
“It was probably one of the faster games we played this year,” Pulock said. “That’s a good team over there. It’s huge to get that extra point.”
Cal Clutterbuck and Brock Nelson also scored for the Islanders, while Semyon Varlamov made 31 saves, including a crucial stop on Mark Stone in overtime.
“It was fast; it was furious. There were great plays, great saves — everything you want in a game,” Islanders coach Barry Trotz said. “It was a fun hockey game.”
Alex Tuch and Jonathan Marchessault scored for the Golden Knights, who saw their four-game winning streak snapped.
The game had a playoff-like intensity, as the Islanders and Golden Knights battled hard throughout. Marchessault tied the game for Vegas at 15:28 of the third period, moments after Nelson had given the Islanders a 3-2 lead. Nicolas Hague and Reilly Smith assisted Marchessault’s ninth goal of the season.
“It was a great game, and two teams battled real hard. I love how our team competed,” Vegas coach Gerard Gallant said. “It was a real good road trip. If we keep playing like this, we’ll win a lot of hockey games.”
Clutterbuck opened the scoring for New York early in the second period, finishing off a 3-on-1 break. Tuch answered for Vegas later in the period with a blistering shot over Varlamov’s shoulder, continuing his strong performance on the road trip.
Varlamov and Subban, who made 28 saves, both had strong outings. They traded impressive stops throughout the game. Subban made key saves in the first period, while Varlamov kept the Islanders in the game with clutch saves on Smith and Marchessault.
The Islanders, who are 8-2-0 at Nassau Coliseum this season, will now head on a three-game road trip.
Game Notes:
- The Golden Knights outshot the Islanders 11-4 in the third period.
- This was Vegas’ first visit to Nassau Coliseum after previous games against the Islanders were played at Barclays Center.
- The Islanders scratched defenseman Noah Dobson and forwards Michael Dal Colle and Otto Koivula, while the Golden Knights scratched Nick Holden and Cody Eakin.
UP NEXT
- Golden Knights: Host the New York Rangers on Sunday.
- Islanders: Start a three-game road trip at Dallas on Saturday.