Islanders End 2025 with Hard-Fought Victory Over Blackhawks

CHICAGO — The New York Islanders wrapped up their 2025 campaign with a hard-earned 3-2 shootout victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on Tuesday night. Despite the win, the Islanders faced criticism for their performance, particularly in the second half of the game.

A Season of Contrasts

As 2025 closes, the Islanders have transformed from a team struggling to make the playoffs to one boasting one of the NHL’s most exciting young cores. After a rocky start, they now sit comfortably in second place in the Metropolitan Division, showcasing a promising future ahead.

Game Highlights

• First Period Dominance: The Islanders controlled the game early, establishing a commanding 2-0 lead.
• Key Goals: Bo Horvat opened the scoring, with teammates Cal Ritchie and Matthew Schaefer contributing vital assists. Schaefer’s assist made him the youngest defenseman in NHL history to reach 25 points.

Dramatic Shift in Momentum

Despite leading comfortably, the Islanders’ grip on the game slipped:

• Second Period Collapse: The Blackhawks capitalized on the Islanders’ mistakes, scoring two goals in rapid succession. Teuvo Teravainen netted one from the right circle, followed by a late goal from Nick Lardis just before the second period ended.

• Quotes from the Rink:
  • Ryan Pulock stated, “We need to look in the mirror and know it wasn’t good enough. We can’t play like that every night and expect to win.”
  • Head Coach Patrick Roy emphasized the team’s need for improvement, saying, “The transition was not as good… We did a lot of East/West play instead of playing north.”

Overtime Drama

The Islanders were fortunate to secure the extra point in a tense shootout, thanks to the stellar performance of goaltender David Rittich, who stopped 17 shots during regulation and overtime.

• Key Saves: Rittich managed to stop several critical shots from the Blackhawks, including a near-miss from Nick Foligno and a successful streak in the shootout.

Looking Ahead

While the Islanders celebrated the two points, the underlying issues from the game were evident. Coach Roy noted, “You have to find ways to win those ugly games… At the end of the year, we’re going to look at the standings and maybe that was a big two points.”

As they reflect on the year’s achievements and challenges, the Islanders enter 2026 with a renewed focus.

Final Thoughts

The victory over Chicago symbolizes the growth and resilience the Islanders have shown throughout their season. Despite the criticisms, they ended the year on a high note, reminding fans of the team’s potential as they approach a promising future.

For more insights on the Islanders, view our detailed coverage on NHL.com and follow team updates on ESPN.