A Promising Future Ahead for a Young NHL Defenseman ELMONT, NY -- Losing the last two games of 2024, the New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/toronto-maple-leafs-new-york-islanders-isaiah-george-max-domi-injury] entered the new calendar year looking to change their luck. Unfortunately for the Isles, luck nor opportunity would be on their side on Thursday at UBS Arena, losing 2-1 to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto Maple Leafs center Bobby McMann (74) celebrates his goal against New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) during the third period at UBS Arena. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExODQ2Nzk4OTc5OTAxNDE2/usatsi_25103287.jpg] Toronto Maple Leafs center Bobby McMann (74) celebrates his goal against New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) during the third period at UBS Arena. Play seemed to be even through the first half of the game -- with the Islanders maintaining some quality offensive zone time. However, momentum swung when Isaiah George left the ice after a vicious hit by Max Domi. Toronto forward Bobby McMann then scored the opening tally at 10:43 of the second: Here's the story on George's injury: The Islanders knotted the score at 1-1 under eight minutes later when Scott Mayfield buried a silky pass from Mathew Barzal inside the left face-off dot: But in the third, the Islanders stayed on-script and allowed a power play goal while not cashing in on their opportunities. McMann was called for tripping Brock Nelson with 9:42 remaining, and the Islanders could not score with the man advantage. Then, with only 4:41 remaining, Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech took a tripping penalty, and McMann made the Islanders pay. The Maple Leafs forward scored his second of the night and 12th goal of the season on the power play. Assists went to Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Domi, and the goal came at 17:01 of the third period. With 22.8 seconds left, it appeared as if the Islanders and captain, Anders Lee tied the game, however the officials ruled the whistle had blown. The clock hit zero, and the Islanders picked up their 18th loss of the season and currently sit last in the Metropolitan division. The Islanders travel to Boston to face the Bruins on Sunday at 6 PM.
