NY Islanders road trip rolls on in Winnipeg for a showdown with the Jets

The New York Islanders continue their road trip Tuesday night when they visit the Winnipeg Jets, looking to build on momentum after a dramatic overtime win in Minnesota.

The Islanders are coming off a 4-3 overtime victory against the Wild on Saturday, their first road win in Minnesota since 2019. Simon Holmstrom led the way with two goals and an assist, including the overtime winner, while Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Casey Cizikas scored in regulation. Ilya Sorokin was sharp again, stopping 33 of 36 shots as New York improved to 5-0 in overtime games this season.

Sorokin will start against Winnipeg, head coach Patrick Roy confirmed. The goaltender is 14-10-2 with a 2.47 goals-against average, a .915 save percentage and four shutouts, and has won his last two starts after allowing just three goals on 80 shots.

Up front, Kyle MacLean returns to the lineup after sitting out Saturday as a healthy scratch. Roy said MacLean’s energy alongside Casey Cizikas and Marc Gatcomb gives that line a defined identity, while the rotation with Max Tsyplakov is designed to keep the entire group engaged during a strong stretch of play.

On the blue line, Adam Boqvist remains in the lineup for a second straight game, marking his first run of consecutive appearances since November. Roy said the focus with Boqvist has been building trust and keeping his game simple.

Holmstrom enters Tuesday riding a milestone moment. His tying goal Saturday was the 100th point of his NHL career, and his overtime tally was the first of his career.

The Jets took the first meeting between the teams this season, winning 5-2 at UBS Arena on Oct. 13. Winnipeg has been tough at home, and the Islanders are winless in their last two road games against the Jets, setting up another stiff test north of the border.