Hold onto your hockey helmets, because this game was a nail-biter! The New York Islanders pulled off a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets on February 28, 2026, securing their fourth consecutive win. But here's where it gets even more exciting: Simon Holmstrom, the Islanders' hero of the night, scored just 1:50 into overtime, marking his 14th goal of the season and his second game-winning overtime goal. This win solidifies the Islanders' perfect 8-0 record in overtime games this season—a feat no other team in the league can claim. And this is the part most people miss: the Islanders’ resilience was on full display as they erased a two-goal deficit in the second period, with Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau scoring just 22 seconds apart. Scott Mayfield also chipped in with a goal and an assist, while Ilya Sorokin stood tall in net, stopping 27 shots.
Now, let’s talk about the Blue Jackets, who didn’t go down without a fight. Zach Werenski, fresh off his Olympic gold medal assist for Team USA, extended his points streak to nine games—the longest ever by a defenseman in Blue Jackets history. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite Werenski’s impressive performance and his 65 points on the season, the Blue Jackets still find themselves seven points behind the Islanders in the Metropolitan Division standings. Is this a testament to the Islanders’ strength, or a sign of the Blue Jackets’ missed opportunities? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Columbus’ goals came from Isac Lundeström, Mason Marchment, and Adam Fantilli, with Marchment’s goal being particularly noteworthy. Since joining the Blue Jackets from Seattle in December, Marchment has scored 10 goals in just 16 games—the fastest any Columbus player has reached double-digit goals. Jet Greaves, meanwhile, made 22 saves in a valiant effort to keep his team in the game.
Looking ahead, the Islanders will host the Florida Panthers on Sunday, while the Blue Jackets travel to face the New York Rangers on Monday. With the playoff race heating up, every game counts—but do you think the Islanders can keep their overtime streak alive, or will the Blue Jackets close the gap in the standings? Share your thoughts below!
