Islanders Shrug Off Two Forward Injuries to Beat Maple Leafs 4-1

Islanders Maple Leafs 4-1 — The New York Islanders beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1 in Toronto on Tuesday night, overcoming the loss of two forwards to injury and playing most of the game with only 10 forwards.

Injuries Strike Early

Cal Ritchie left on his first shift after an awkward collision along the far boards. The collision was not high-velocity, and Ritchie was able to skate off on his own.

Matias Maccelli departed late in the first period with a leg injury that appeared more concerning. His leg folded under him before he needed help off the ice.

The Islanders adjusted to a short bench for the remainder of the game, leaning on their remaining forwards and a strong penalty kill.

Scoring Summary

Anthony Duclair opened the scoring at 8:00 of the first period, converting from the slot after a forecheck.

Bo Horvat made it 2-0 late in the second period, scoring on a rebound of a Kyle Palmieri shot. Sergei Bobrovsky was out of position on the play.

Simon Holmstrom extended the lead in the third period with a slot goal, then sealed the win with an empty-net goal from center ice.

Penalty Kill Delivers

The Islanders failed on two first-period power plays but their penalty kill was flawless. Adam Pelech took a penalty at the start of the third period, and the Islanders killed it. Emil Heineman received a tripping penalty, which was also killed.

Toronto scored shortly after Heineman’s penalty expired, on a point shot deflected by Matthew Schaefer. Schaefer then took a puck-over-the-glass penalty at 10:10 of the third period, and the Islanders killed that one too.

Sorokin Stands Tall

Ilya Sorokin made 28 saves for the Islanders, including 12 in the third period to preserve the lead.

Road Swing and Upcoming Schedule

The win gave the Islanders three points from their two-game Ontario road swing. They return home to host the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday and the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday before embarking on a three-game Central Division tour.