In Newark, the New York Islanders Cory Schneider made 27 saves in his first NHL win since 2020 in a 4-3 win over the New Jersey Devils.
“I found out [Saturday] that I was going to be playing and was just trying to do my routine, not change a whole lot that I’ve done to have some success; it’s been exciting but a little nerve-wracking,” Schneider said. “Once you settle in and you play behind those guys, the game just starts to come to you.”
Jean-Gabriel Pageau hit for a natural hat trick and the had four points in the win.
Pageau’s three goals gave the Isles a 3-0 lead into the middle frame.
“I got a few bounces tonight,” Pageau said. “I think our line (Josh Bailey-Pageau-Palmieri) has been doing a really good job the past few games. I think you start worrying when you don’t have chances, and we’ve had chances.”
Jesper Boqvist and Tomas Tatar got New Jersey back within one at 3-2.
“It’s funny, a little over two years ago was my last game in the League in this building so I don’t know if it’s fate or coincidence but I’m just grateful for the opportunity,” Schneider said. “It’s easy to take the League for granted when you’re young and playing a lot but things can change quickly so always be grateful for the chances you get.
“I thought my teammates worked really hard to make my first game back in a long time as easy as possible.”
The Islanders moved to 32-27-9.
“There’s a love for the game,” Islanders coach Barry Trotz said. “I think he probably wanted a little bit of redemption because he’s gone through some injuries and rehab and the stuff that people don’t realize players go through that can derail your confidence, can really derail your career.
“He battled through that and everybody’s really happy for him.”
Kyle Palmieri scored at 14:55 of the third period to put the Isles up, 4-2.
“It’s huge for Cory,” Palmieri said. “I’ve been his teammate going back a long time and he’s an awesome guy. Through the good times and the bad, he comes in with a smile on his face, works hard. It’s been a tough road back for him, going back to his surgery and the things he struggled with. But it’s awesome to get the win for him, especially in this building.”
New Jersey dropped to 24-39-6.
“I thought we were really flat in the first period,” New Jersey coach Lindy Ruff said. “Maybe we were having a pity party from the night before (a 7-6 overtime loss to the Florida Panthers on Saturday) where we felt pretty bad about the way that game ended.”
Nico Hischier scored with 66 seconds left in the game to make the 4-3 final.
Nico Daws made 25 saves in the New Jersey loss.
“We were skating, won more battles [in the third] but it was not enough,” Hischier said. “In the end, we still lost the game. We’ve got to take a lot of things out of that third period.”
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