Simon Holmstrom’s overtime goal ensures a significant victory for the Islanders against the Wild

Islanders Overcome Wild in Thrilling Overtime Win

St. Paul, Minn. — Last month’s victory against the Avalanche was impressive, yet it remains just one of several key regulation losses for the Islanders this season.

Another showdown may be on the horizon this Saturday.

The Wild, enhanced by the addition of Quinn Hughes, have solidified their identity as contenders for the Stanley Cup. They are among the few teams whose speed could challenge the 2025-26 Islanders, reminding us of last season’s style.

Despite this, the Islanders managed to secure a hard-fought, entertaining 4-3 victory over Minnesota on Saturday night. Simon Holmstrom netted the game-winner in overtime, sealing the deal.

There were tense moments, particularly when Hughes faced Kirill Kaprizov. At times, it seemed like the Wild might dominate the game. Even with the two points in the bag, the Islanders have plenty to take away from this experience.

Staying competitive and finding ways to win is a crucial lesson learned. The Islanders trailed 3-2 midway through the second period, thanks to back-to-back hits from Hughes, Dryden Hunt, and Kaprizov. They created chances, but the power play was a challenge.

When Tony DeAngelo was penalized for a slash, it looked like the Wild could take control.

However, Holmstrom created a turnover from Matt Boldy, leading to a shorthanded goal by Casey Cizikas just 26 seconds before the second period ended, leveling the score at 3-3 and setting the stage for a gripping final stretch.

The Wild kept up the pressure, especially in the third period. Hughes showcased amazing skill throughout the game, even leaving Maxim Tsyplakov on the ice with a slick move.

Still, the Islanders maintained their strategy and Ilya Sorokin came up big when needed, making several critical saves, including three on Danila Yurov mid-period.

As the game went into overtime, 3-on-3 play became a key element for the Islanders, who had previously suffered losses in shootouts. Holmstrom clinched the victory with a backhander for his second goal.

The action was intense right from the start. Ben Jones and Jean-Gabriel Pageau found the net within the first five minutes. Then, Hughes scored on the power play, putting the Wild ahead 2-1. Holmstrom, who has been improving lately, responded with a perfect shot from the left circle early in the second.

This kind of elevated hockey is typically seen in late spring, and both teams are poised to contend in the later months.

For Matthew Schaefer, Hughes and Kaprizov are among the few players he respects as skaters. The rookie defenseman is expected to benefit most from this matchup, although he doesn’t dominate the play.

Adam Boqvist returned to the lineup and quickly had to recover from a misplay, as Sorokin saved him with an impressive stop on Yakov Trenin.

Throughout the night, the Islanders focused on tackling their opponents, holding their ground against a strong top-six from Minnesota. Coach Patrick Roy might see reason to give those lines another chance on Tuesday against Winnipeg.