NY Islanders D Alexander Romanov takes out Jack Hughes after taking big hit

Bo Horvat's give-and-go overtime game-winner with Mathew Barzal will capture the headlines, but the performance from Alexander Romanov is what will leave a lasting impression in the New York Islanders 4-3 OT win over the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on Friday night.

The Islanders' defenseman was involved in various ways in the win, especially in the second period. Romanov's helmet was sent flying when Kurtis MacDermid caught him with his down in the neutral zone. Defenseman Scott Mayfield came to Romanov's defense, sparring with MacDermid.

“You need to get back to the game after that hit,” Romanov said after the game. “It wasn't good for me. I need to keep my head up. I just found a way to get back to the game again.”

Find his way back in the game he did. Later in the period, Romanov set his sights on Devils' star Jack Hughes, landing a huge hit just inside the blueline. "They hit me. I'm gonna hit them, and I'm gonna hit their best player," Romanov said matter-of-factly after the win. Then, he hurt New Jersey on the scoreboard when Kyle Palmieri deflected his shot from the point to break a 2-2 tie at the 11:28 mark of the second period.

“He was a machine tonight,” Horvat said of Romanov. “Not a lot of guys take a big hit like that. And I think they just poked the bear. came and probably played one of the best periods I've seen him play. Just hitting guys, a great shot on goal, and we need guys like to step up in a big way and answer the challenge. He did.”

Romanov has has a reputation to deliver big open ice hits since he first came up with the Montreal Canadiens and he's continued doing so on Long Island. It can invigorate a crowd, give a jolt to his teammates and sometimes, bring out the best in himself.