This is what despair feels like.
They were pushed to their limit, prompting a coaching change, but playing against a Maple Leafs team that looked more like an AHL squad didn’t help much either.
No matter how you look at it, the Islanders play like they’re cornered, and, well, that’s precisely where they find themselves.
A 5-3 victory over Toronto marked Pete DeBoer’s debut as head coach, a crucial win that the Islanders absolutely must replicate in their last four games to make the playoffs.
They began their game 15 minutes ahead of their playoff competitors on Thursday, so the final picture was pretty unclear.
But let’s be clear: Saturday’s upcoming home game against the Senators, a team struggling at 3-7-0 and fresh off firing Patrick Roy, is the Islanders’ chance at that second wild-card spot.
If they can maintain their momentum from Thursday into the weekend, they have a solid shot at success.
They were aggressive from the start and held a staggering 24-3 advantage in shots on goal after just 20 minutes.
The team quickly dominated, playing with speed and purpose, and—yes—urgency that’s been lacking for far too long.
Brayden Schenn and JG Pageau found the net within the first five minutes, and the Islanders didn’t falter even when the Leafs managed to tie things up.
They adhered to their game plan, keeping momentum on their side and restoring a two-goal lead by the second intermission.
Schaefer’s goal in the second period marked his 23rd of the season, tying the rookie record for defensemen set by Brian Leitch, and it broke a personal seven-game scoring drought.
But this wasn’t solely about Schaefer or Ilya Sorokin, nor anyone else; it was about the team’s collective performance.
Ondrej Palat had an impressive showing despite briefly exiting the game for blocking a shot. Max Shabanov was a key figure on a relentless third line alongside J.G. Pageau and Emil Heineman.
Barzal’s transition back to center has been seamless, and Simon Holmstrom played like he’d been on the top line all season.
Tony DeAngelo returned from injury, and his presence clearly helped the Islanders move the puck up the ice more effectively.
Barzal scored on a power play with Heineman, extending their lead to 4-2 with another goal.
Cal Ritchie excelled in tight spaces, assisting on Schenn’s second goal for a commanding 5-2 lead in the third period.
The more aggressive approach that had previously let the Islanders down against inexperienced goalies proved overwhelming for Artur Akhtyamov in his first career start.
Honestly, the rookie did okay, but it was hard to shine given the Leafs’ struggles on defense.
Ironically, the sole Islander keeping the team competitive all season was not at his best. Ilya Sorokin needed Schaefer’s defensive efforts early on, particularly when Cowan’s shot reached him. Unfortunately, the first shot Sorokin faced ended up in the net, followed by another from Morgan Rielly late in the game that made it 5-3.
By the end, it didn’t seem like the Leafs were genuinely committed to fighting for the win.
But the Islanders came together for a solid 60 minutes, showcasing unity like never before.
