#bohorvat

The New York Islanders played spoiler once again, holding off Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals in a 3–1 victory on Friday night. Despite a strong start from Washington, Ilya Sorokin and the Islanders’ defense proved too tough to crack. With Ovechkin still stuck at 899 career goals, fans will have to wait a little longer to witness history. Bo Horvat’s third-period strike broke the deadlock, and Mathew Barzal’s late empty-netter sealed the deal for a confident New York squad.

Ovechkin’s Chase for 900 Hits Another Wall ⛔🥅

The story everyone tuned in for was Alex Ovechkin’s hunt for goal number 900. After coming close in recent games, many expected the milestone to fall against a familiar opponent — the Islanders. But Ilya Sorokin made sure that didn’t happen.

The Capitals came out aggressive, firing 13 shots in the opening frame, but Sorokin turned them all aside. Only Tom Wilson’s second-period goal managed to slip through later on. Ovechkin, meanwhile, couldn’t find his rhythm. His trademark one-timers from the left circle were blocked, redirected, or saved.

For fans watching across SMOOTH VIEWING platforms, every Ovechkin chance felt like it could be the one — but Sorokin had the last word. The Russian netminder’s sharp positioning and calm composure set the tone for the Islanders’ defensive effort all night long.

Pageau’s Short-Handed Strike Sparks the Comeback ⚡🚨

Momentum shifted midway through the second period when Jean-Gabriel Pageau capitalized on a Washington turnover. Killing off a penalty, Pageau intercepted a pass and charged down the ice with Simon Holmstrom, who fed him a clean look that Pageau redirected past Logan Thompson.

That short-handed tally not only tied the game but also silenced the home crowd. For the Islanders, it was their third short-handed goal of the season — tying them for the league lead. Their penalty kill was aggressive and fearless, keeping the Capitals’ top scorers on edge.

Through SMOOTH VIEWING replays, fans could see the determination on Pageau’s face — the kind of energy that can completely turn a game around. It was a perfect display of how New York combines defensive discipline with quick-strike offense.

Horvat Delivers the Game-Winner in Style 🧊🎯

When the game was hanging in the balance, Bo Horvat stepped up. With just over 15 minutes left in the third period, Emil Heineman found him on a 2-on-1 break, and Horvat wasted no time burying it past Thompson.

That goal — his sixth of the season — proved to be the difference-maker. It was a reminder of why Horvat has become such an essential piece of the Islanders’ attack: calm, confident, and clinical under pressure.

Fans catching the action through SMOOTH VIEWING streams got a perfect look at how effortlessly Horvat finished the play. His timing and precision gave New York all the momentum it needed to close things out.

Sorokin Shuts the Door Once Again 🧤💪

If anyone deserved first-star honors, it was Ilya Sorokin. The Islanders’ goalie was at his absolute best, making crucial saves early to keep his team in it. Sorokin’s first-period performance — where he stopped all 13 Washington shots — set the foundation for the win.

There was a poetic twist to it, too. The last time Ovechkin faced Sorokin in April, he scored his record-breaking 895th goal against him. This time, Sorokin wasn’t letting history repeat itself. His composure between the pipes frustrated Ovechkin all night long.

New York’s defensive core — led by Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock — did an excellent job of clearing rebounds and limiting second chances. It was a total team effort anchored by elite goaltending.

Power Play Woes Continue for Washington ⚠️💤

If there’s one area that continues to haunt the Capitals, it’s their power play. Once one of the most feared units in hockey, it’s now become a major liability. Washington went 0-for-4 on the man advantage against the Islanders, and they’re now just 6-for-36 on the season.

Even with Ovechkin stationed at his usual spot, pucks aren’t finding their way through. The passing feels predictable, and opposing penalty kills are reading plays with ease. It’s clear that something has to change — fast.

Even fans enjoying the action through SMOOTH VIEWING couldn’t help but feel the frustration build. The Capitals have the talent, but the execution has been missing. Until they fix that, nights like this will keep slipping away.

Barzal’s Redemption and Islanders’ Focus 🔵🔥

After being scratched the previous night for being late, Mathew Barzal came back with a statement performance. Not only did he score the empty-net goal to seal the 3–1 win, but his energy throughout the game was electric. He drove the play, created chances, and showed leadership by example.

Head coach Patrick Roy made it clear that accountability matters, and Barzal responded exactly the way the team needed him to. His bounce-back effort mirrored the Islanders’ entire night — focused, composed, and ready to respond after adversity.

New York played a patient, structured game, something that’s been missing in recent outings. It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective. And with Sorokin sharp and Horvat leading up front, they look ready to string together some wins.

What Lies Ahead 🗓️🏒

For the Washington Capitals, the upcoming stretch is critical. They’ve now dropped three straight games, and with Pierre-Luc Dubois dealing with a lower-body injury, depth will be tested. The pressure on Ovechkin continues to grow as he sits one goal shy of another historic milestone.

The Islanders, meanwhile, return home with renewed momentum. Their short-handed unit is among the NHL’s best, and Sorokin continues to anchor them with confidence. If they can build on this win and maintain the same structure, they’ll be tough to beat.

Ovechkin’s 900th goal is inevitable — but not tonight. The Islanders made sure of that, proving once again that determination and structure can silence even the greatest scorer of this generation.