Islanders Top Ducks 6-2 Behind Holmstrom Hat Trick
Simon Holmstrom recorded his first career hat trick as the Islanders completed a 2-0-1 California swing with a 6-2 win over Anaheim.
Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Hockey
The Islanders defeated the Ducks 6-2 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California, matching a season high for goals. Simon Holmstrom scored his first career hat trick, with two goals in a four-goal second period, and Semyon Varlamov made 26 saves.
Why it matters
The win gives the Islanders their first back-to-back regulation victories since October 17-20 and closes a 2-0-1 road stretch through California. It also marks Varlamov's first regulation win since November 14, 2024.
Matthew Schaefer recorded three assists and now holds sole possession of third place in NHL history for a teenaged defenseman with 80 points. Logan Stanley's lower-body injury in the second period left the Islanders with five healthy defensemen, and the severity of that injury was not disclosed.
The players
Simon Holmstrom
Islanders forward who recorded his first career hat trick in the 6-2 win over the Ducks.
Matthew Schaefer
Islanders defenseman who recorded three assists and holds third place in NHL history for a teenaged defenseman with 80 points.
Semyon Varlamov
Islanders goaltender who made 26 saves for his first regulation win since November 14, 2024.
Mathew Barzal
Islanders center who scored on his first shift of the season and had 19 goals, 53 assists and 72 points last season.
The details
Ben Hutton opened the scoring at 1:55 of the first period after Mathew Barzal scored on his first shift of the season, beating Tim Washe on an offensive-zone faceoff. Holmstrom completed his hat trick with a snap shot from the slot at 2:41 of the third period.
Timeline
November 14, 2024: Varlamov's last regulation win before this game.
October 17-20: The Islanders' previous back-to-back regulation wins.
November 14, 2026: Islanders defeated the Ducks 6-2 in Anaheim.
Season Trajectory
The Islanders' first back-to-back regulation wins since October 17-20 move them to 9-6-4 on the season. Schaefer's three-assist night, which gives him 80 points as a teenaged defenseman, adds to a young core that is shaping the team's early-season identity.
With Stanley's lower-body injury leaving five healthy defensemen, the Islanders' depth on the blue line will be tested in their next games. Fantasy managers tracking Holmstrom and Schaefer should note the hat trick and three-assist performance as recent production from both players.
The takeaway
The Islanders showed balanced scoring and goaltending in a road win that closed a 2-0-1 California swing. Their back-to-back regulation wins give them a stretch of consistent play to build on heading into the next stretch of the season.
Further reading
For more coverage of the Islanders' road results, see Hockey on Wisevoter.
