Dec 15, 2023; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders right wing Simon Holmstrom (10) reacts after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
ELMONT, N.Y. — New York Islanders winger Simon Holmstrom is so confident of his partnership with Jean-Gabriel Pageau on the penalty kill that he expects to be a part of a breakaway or a 2-on-1 rush every night while shorthanded.
That’s exactly what happened on Tuesday night at UBS Arena against the potent Edmonton Oilers.
Nursing a 2-1 lead and with Brock Nelson in the box for a tripping penalty committed at the 6:19 mark, Pageau hopped on a weak pass by Edmonton forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins within the Islanders’ zone intended for the point, sparking a 2-on-1 rush with Holmstrom. From the left dot, Pageau went cross-ice to Holmstrom in the right circle, who one-timed the chance past Oilers netminder Stuart Skinner.
“It’s unbelievable. I’ve never seen anything like it,” Holmstrom told amNewYork. “We’re going to take it. I think we’re doing a great job.”
The goal was the 22-year-old Holmstrom’s 10th of the season in 30 games after scoring six in 50 during his rookie campaign last year. More impressive, though, is that it was already his NHL-leading fifth shorthanded goal of the season, all assisted by Pageau.
“I think me and [Pageau] have played really good together,” Holmstrom said. “I’m learning from him every day. It’s been a great journey so far. I think we have a breakaway or 2-on-1 every game. It’s definitely a confidence boost. We know if we do our job out there, we might get a chance and we’re going to take it. We’re not going to shy away from it.”
At his current pace, Holmstrom is projected to finish the 2023-24 season with 13 shorthanded goals, which would tie the all-time NHL record set by the great Mario Lemieux in 1988-89. The Pittsburgh Penguins legend was 23 that season, one year…
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