NY Islanders rookie Cal Ritchie shines from goal line spot on power play in Toronto homecoming

The New York Islanders' power play has been picking things up lately, and a big reason is rookie forward Calum Ritchie finding his groove in a new spot.

Stationed on the goal line — a position he admits he had rarely played before this season — Ritchie delivered a standout performance Tuesday night in the Islanders’ 3–1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 21-year-old recorded a goal and an assist on two first-period power-play goals, helping the Isles seize control early.

For Ritchie, the role on the man advantage has been a learning experience.

“I’ve never really played it to be honest, even in junior,” Ritchie said about the goal-line position. “But I watch a lot of clips. We’ve got a lot of really good players on this team that I can learn from. I’m just trying to take it all in and learn every day.”

The quick development was evident on the Islanders’ opening goal when Ritchie spun a slick no-look pass to Brayden Schenn, who buried his first goal since joining the Islanders. Later in the period, Ritchie scored himself, jamming home his own rebound after taking a pass from Mathew Barzal.

The play setting up Schenn was something Ritchie had worked on recently in practice.

“I was working with Schenn the other day about that exact play,” Ritchie said. “I feel like that’s kind of how things work for me this season. When I focus on something and try to take it in from whoever’s teaching me, I feel like I can implement it pretty quickly.”

The night also carried extra meaning. Ritchie, who grew up in nearby Oakville, Ontario, was playing in front of family and friends in Toronto for the first time.

“During the national anthem I kind of looked around and you get chills,” he said. “It was pretty cool.”

For the rookie, it was the perfect combination: a big night at home and another step forward in a growing role on a playoff-chasing Islanders team.