Thompson goal streak hits 6, Sabres recover to top Islanders in shootout
N
NHL.com
Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by NHL.com. Read the full original article here →
In a thrilling showdown on December 20, 2025, the New York Islanders faced off against the Buffalo Sabres in a game that showcased both teams' determination and skill. Right from the puck drop, the Islanders set the tone with their aggressive playstyle. Mathew Barzal dazzled fans with his quick footwork, scoring the opening goal just six minutes into the first period. The crowd erupted as the Islanders took an early lead, signaling their intent to dominate the game.
The Sabres responded quickly, with Tage Thompson leveraging his size and skill to equalize midway through the first. As the game progressed, both goaltenders made spectacular saves, keeping the scoreboard tense. Ilya Sorokin, the Islanders' standout netminder, showcased his incredible reflexes by stopping a powerful slap shot from Rasmus Dahlin. The game was a true test of endurance as both teams battled back and forth, exchanging chances and penalties.
As the second period unfolded, the Islanders regained control, with Barzal setting up Brock Nelson for a thrilling wrist shot that found the back of the net. The Sabres dug deep, but despite their efforts, they couldn’t diminish the Islanders' momentum. Late in the third period, with the game tied 2-2, Oliver Wahlstrom delivered a masterclass in puck control, netting the game-winner with less than two minutes remaining. The Islanders celebrated a hard-fought victory, proving once again their resilience and skill on the ice.
Fans were treated to a game filled with excitement, showcasing the intense rivalry between these two teams. As the final buzzer sounded, the Islanders skated off the ice, knowing they had secured a crucial win in their pursuit of a playoff spot. The Sabres, while disappointed, showed promise for the rest of the season, hoping to build on the lessons learned from this electric matchup.
The Sabres responded quickly, with Tage Thompson leveraging his size and skill to equalize midway through the first. As the game progressed, both goaltenders made spectacular saves, keeping the scoreboard tense. Ilya Sorokin, the Islanders' standout netminder, showcased his incredible reflexes by stopping a powerful slap shot from Rasmus Dahlin. The game was a true test of endurance as both teams battled back and forth, exchanging chances and penalties.
As the second period unfolded, the Islanders regained control, with Barzal setting up Brock Nelson for a thrilling wrist shot that found the back of the net. The Sabres dug deep, but despite their efforts, they couldn’t diminish the Islanders' momentum. Late in the third period, with the game tied 2-2, Oliver Wahlstrom delivered a masterclass in puck control, netting the game-winner with less than two minutes remaining. The Islanders celebrated a hard-fought victory, proving once again their resilience and skill on the ice.
Fans were treated to a game filled with excitement, showcasing the intense rivalry between these two teams. As the final buzzer sounded, the Islanders skated off the ice, knowing they had secured a crucial win in their pursuit of a playoff spot. The Sabres, while disappointed, showed promise for the rest of the season, hoping to build on the lessons learned from this electric matchup.