Islanders' 27-second power play goal sealed a 4-3 overtime win over the Wild

New York Islanders captain Bo Horvat redirected a power play shot in the second period, giving the visitors a lead that would not be relinquished until the overtime winner. The goal came after the Islanders had already tied the game early in the first period, capping a shift in momentum that defined the match.

The Wild had started the game with urgency. Joel Eriksson Ek scored 27 seconds into the first period, ripping a low wrist shot past Ilya Sorokin on the glove side. It was Eriksson Ek's third goal in his last four games. However, the lead did not last through the first intermission. Matthew Schaffer scored on a rebound late in the frame to tie the game at 1-1.

In the second period, the Islanders took control. Horvat scored on a power play, putting New York ahead 2-1. The Wild responded quickly. Quinn Hughes fired a backhander that hit the inside of Sorokin's right leg and slid into the net, evening the score at 2-2 late in the period.

The third period brought the decisive shift. Adam Pelech scored for New York midway through the frame. He used Michael McCarron as a screen on a long-range shot, allowing the puck to pass Jesper Wallstedt before the Wild goaltender could react. The goal put the Islanders up 3-2.

The Wild managed to get back on the board with under four minutes remaining in regulation. Matt Boldy scored on a low shot, ending a six-game goal drought and forcing an overtime period. The team had trailed 2-1 and 3-2 earlier in the game but secured a point by tying the score.

Special teams performance decided the outcome. The Wild, who had led the league in penalty kill and power play efficiency at various points in October, were 0-for-3 on the man advantage on Thursday. They allowed a power play goal to the Islanders.

Jesper Wallstedt made 22 saves for Minnesota. Ilya Sorokin also finished with 22 saves for New York. The Islanders used their special teams dominance to secure the 4-3 overtime victory, with Schaffer scoring the extra session goal.

Wild coach John Hynes acknowledged the team's struggle on special teams but praised their effort. "I don’t think it was the cleanest game by us, but I did like that we stuck with it, came from behind," Hynes said. "I think we didn’t have our A game tonight but we gave ourselves a chance to win the game."

Forward Nico Sturm described the team's play as "a little, just, disconnected at times." He noted that the group battled back similar to their recent road performance. Boldy said the Islanders played well, describing them as "hard, in your face, close on you quick."

The Wild finish the month with a 9-3-3 record. They had gone 3-1-1 on a recent road trip before this home loss. The team heads back on the road immediately, visiting Washington on Sunday afternoon and Philadelphia for a 6 p.m. Central start on Election Night. The Islanders will host Minnesota again on Feb. 13.