Overview
- The Islanders beat the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 at UBS Arena, a Tuesday win that improved their record to 5-3-1 and extended an unbeaten stretch to 3-0-1.
- The scoring burst came in the first period with Ondrej Palat converting a Pageau feed, Victor Eklund backhanding his second NHL goal, and Simon Holmstrom tipping a Matthew Schaefer point shot on the power play.
- Ilya Sorokin made 15 saves to secure the victory and the club has limited opponents to two goals or fewer in seven of nine games so far.
- AHL call-up Mitchell Chaffee made his Islanders debut and fought A.J. Greer, highlighting how depth players and young skaters are stepping into roles after injuries to Matias Maccelli and Cal Ritchie.
- The game reinforced that DeBoer's smothering, territorial style is taking hold but the team still needs to finish more of its chances, a short-term focus as the Islanders prepare to host the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday.