UNIONDALE, N.Y. — The smile was still there on Devon Toews’ face as the summer hit “Magic in the Hamptons” played in the background and the media began to assemble in front of the rookie’s dressing room stall.
It was a memorable moment that the young Islander defenseman won’t soon forget as his goal 1:48 into overtime was both his first career goal in the NHL, and the winning tally in the Islanders’ 3-2 overtime win over the Blackhawks. It was their fifth straight win and the eighth victory in their last nine games.
“That’s probably as good as it gets, for the most part,” Toews said about the goal. “It feels good to help contribute to the win. Scoring an OT winner is pretty cool.”
“It feels good to score and get the two points. It’s huge for our team.”@DevonToews6 is today’s overtime hero! pic.twitter.com/2UqvygWEJS
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) January 4, 2019
It was Josh Bailey’s pass to Toews that set up his first shot, which was stopped by Chicago starter Collin Delia. Toews collected the rebound and fired the puck past Delia.
Thursday’s game was just Toews’ fifth in the NHL. He had been called up from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on December 19.
“He’s played well. He’s played with a lot of poise,” Islanders coach Barry Trotz said about Toews’ play. “His skating allows us to transport the puck out of danger. He’s joining the play at the right times, giving us another option on some of the breakouts and he’s been solid. That’s why we’re playing him, we’re playing him a lot, and he’s doing a real good job.”
Mathew Barzal added: “We’re fortunate enough for him to come up and play so well. He’s obviously added another weapon back there, so he’s been great for us and just a super cool moment for him to get it in overtime.”
Had it not been Toews that scored the winning goal, Thursday’s game would have been the Barzal show. Just a day after being named to the NHL All-Star Game, the star forward scored twice to extend his point streak to six games and moved into possession of third among players for goals scored this season on the Islanders roster.
Barzal’s goal at 6:47 of the first period tied the game at one. Barzal batted the puck out of midair for the Islanders opening tally of the night.
Barzal’s second goal of the night came at 18:56 of the second period while the Islanders were on a power play.
“I thought Mat was really good,” Trotz said. “He managed the puck really well, he was challenging seams, he was taking ice that was presented, he was going at people. I thought it was a pretty complete game.”
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