Robertson’s Hat Trick Lifts Dalls Stars Over NY Islanders in 4-3 Victory

Jason Robertson’s second-period hat trick propelled the Dallas Stars to a 4-3 win over the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on Sunday night. Robertson’s scoring spree, completed in just 8 minutes and 40 seconds, marked his fourth career NHL hat trick and helped the Stars (37-18-2) secure their third consecutive win and eighth victory in their last ten games. Sam Steel also found the net for Dallas, while Roope Hintz and Matt Duchene each contributed two assists. Goaltender Jake Oettinger played a key role with 35 saves. Pierre Engvall, Kyle Palmieri, and Anthony Duclair tallied goals for the Islanders (25-24-7), who have now lost three straight. Ilya Sorokin stopped 25 shots in the loss.

Fast-Paced Second Period

After Steel opened the scoring just 2:10 into the first period, the game erupted in the second frame. Engvall tied the contest at 1-1 at 3:44 with a slick backhand finish past Oettinger. Robertson then took over, regaining the lead for Dallas at 8:48 with a shot through a screen. The Islanders responded almost instantly, as Palmieri tied it 2-2 just seven seconds later with a breakaway goal after a slick feed from Tony DeAngelo.

A pivotal moment came at 13:26 when Casey Cizikas was assessed a match penalty for a hit to the head on Lian Bichsel. The Dallas defenseman exited the game and did not return. Robertson made the most of the ensuing power play, scoring at 15:53 off a Hintz setup. He completed his hat trick at 17:28, again on the power play, by pouncing on a rebound to extend Dallas’ lead to 4-2.

Islanders’ Late Push Falls Short

Duclair gave the Islanders hope with a goal at 9:17 of the third period, cutting the deficit to 4-3 after a net-front scramble. Oettinger came up with a crucial save on a Ryan Pulock slap shot at 11:42 to preserve the lead. New York appeared to equalize at 15:08 when Jean-Gabriel Pageau fired a one-timer past Oettinger, but the goal was immediately waved off for goaltender interference. The Islanders opted not to challenge. Despite pulling Sorokin for the extra attacker in the final minutes, New York couldn’t find the tying goal, and Dallas held on for the win.

The Isles next play at home against the New York Rangers on Tuesday night.