The Upshot: NY Islanders suffer devastating Stadium Series O.T. loss to the Rangers

HOW IT HAPPENED

Artemi Panarin scored just 10 seconds into overtime as the New York Rangers capped off a remarkable comeback to defeat the New York Islanders in front of 79,690 for the Stadium Series game at MetLife Stadium. The Rangers trailed 4-1 in the second period and 5-3 late in the third when first Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad tied the game at 18:31 of the third period. Vincent Trocheck also had two goals for the Rangers (36-16-3), who have won seven straight. Igor Shesterkin made 36 saves in the win. Brock Nelson, Bo Horvat, Mathew Barzal, Anders Lee, and Alexander Romanov each had a goal for the Islanders (22-18-14). Noah Dobson had three assists, and Ilya Sorokin made 32 saves. It’s the third straight loss (0-1-2) for the Isles.

WHAT WENT RIGHT

First off, it was an amazing atmosphere. You think that the novelty of these games will wear off, and maybe they have when you're watching other teams play in them, but when it's your team and your fans in the stands in a rivalry match-up, it was everything expected and more.

The sad thing is a lot went right for the first 55 minutes of the game. After giving up an early goal, the Islanders exploded for three consecutive goals in the first period to take a 3-1 lead to intermission. Even after the Rangers made it 4-3 heading into the third, they played a really solid first ten minutes of the period and seemingly put the game away when Romanov made it 5-3. They had their legs, they had jump, and they put up over 40 shots. They just can't overcome their careless mistakes and the ineptitude on the penalty kill and in overtime.

WHAT WENT WRONG

The Islanders familiar role of being their own worst enemy reared it's ugly head once again while trying to protect a two-goal lead late in the third period. First, Mathew Barzal was called for a hooking penalty while playing four-on-four. The Rangers pulled Shesterkin to gain a 5-on-3 advantage, and while the Isles survived that, seconds after the 5-on-3 became a 6-on-4, Kreider tipped a shot past Sorokin to make it a one goal game.

The Barzal penalty was bad, but Scott Mayfield's was worse. The defenseman was called for his third minor of the game on a tripping call, setting the stage for Zibenejad's one-timer that tied the game with 1:29 left to play. The Islanders' penalty kill is dead last in the league, and if it's not going to vastly improve, you're only recourse is to stop taking penalties at the most inopportune times.

STATS OF THE GAME

Per NHL PR, Brock Nelson became the 10th player to score in each of his first two career outdoor appearances. Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal scored 16 seconds apart in the first period for the Islanders, marking the fastest two goals by one team in an NHL outdoor game.

Noah Dobson reached the 50-assist mark in his 54th game of the season. Only one other defenseman in franchise history has required 54 or fewer games to reach 50 assists in a campaign: Denis Potvin (53 GP in 1978-79).

SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENT OF THE GAME

Isles legend Denis Potvin announces the 2026 All-Star Game is coming to UBS Arena.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Islanders are in Pittsburgh on Tuesday night to battle the Penguins.

Face-off is at 7:00 PM