Brief
Islanders post 3-2 win over Ducks in what they called their most complete game
Ondrej Palat opened scoring as the Islanders controlled the neutral zone and held off a late Ducks surge.
By Felo News Desk · Published
New York Islanders defeated the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, at UBS Arena, a result that the New York Post described as the team’s most complete 60‑minute effort of the season, lifting the club to a 5-3-1 record.
What happened
The Islanders struck first when Ondrej Palat buried a feed from Pageau early in the first period. Victor Eklund doubled the lead off an Emil Heineman rebound, while the Ducks answered with a Frank Vatrón goal after a misplay by Tony DeAngelo. The power‑play unit added a third goal when Matthew Schaefer’s shot from the top of the zone was tipped in by Simon Holmstrom. The Islanders entered the third period ahead 3-1 and withstood a late Ducks rally; Alex Killorn’s one‑timer reduced the margin to one with 2:40 left, but the Islanders held on for the win.
What the report adds
The article notes that the Islanders dominated the neutral zone, back‑checked aggressively, and out‑worked the Ducks despite being the older roster. It highlights that the Ducks managed only two shots in the third period, while the Islanders continued to control puck possession. The piece also mentions that Kyle MacLean and Mitchell Chaffee, added to the lineup because of injuries, contributed solid minutes on the fourth line alongside Casey Cizikas.
What was said
The New York Post’s coverage does not quote players or coaches directly, but it praises the Islanders’ “territorial, tight hockey, hound the puck relentlessly and outwork teams that are still easing into the season.” It also points out that the team’s intensity and decision‑making were key factors in the victory.
How it came about
Earlier in the season the Islanders had struggled with injuries and inconsistent play. The win over the Ducks follows a recent loss to the Kings and a series of games where the club was still finding its rhythm. The article suggests that the approach highlighted on Tuesday – disciplined defense, aggressive forechecking and smart puck handling – could serve as a template for the next few weeks, even if players like Mat Barzal, Calum Ritchie and Matias Maccelli remain sidelined.
Key facts
- Islanders beat Ducks 3-2 at UBS Arena on Oct. 20, 2026 (nypost.com)
- Ondrej Palat opened scoring, followed by Victor Eklund and a power‑play goal by Matthew Schaefer (nypost.com)
- Islanders improved to a 5-3-1 record after the win (nypost.com)
- Ducks managed only two shots in the third period (nypost.com)
- Kyle MacLean and Mitchell Chaffee contributed on the fourth line (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Islanders play most complete game of season in win over Ducks”
