Detroit Red Wings vs. New York Islanders – December 16 2025 – Game Review
Final Score: Red Wings 3, Islanders 2
The Detroit Red Wings staged an impressive third-period comeback to defeat the New York Islanders 3-2 on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Little Caesars Arena in front of 19,515 fans. This victory gave the Red Wings their fifth win in six games, while ending the Islanders’ three-game winning streak.
Game Highlights
The Islanders took an early lead when Emil Heineman netted his 11th goal of the season at 4:27 of the first period. Mathew Barzal, who was a game-time decision after missing the morning skate, provided a perfect pass across the slot that Heineman converted, extending Barzal’s point streak to five games.
Despite Detroit dominating offensive-zone time in the first two periods, Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin stood tall, making several key saves to maintain New York’s lead heading into the final frame.
The game dramatically shifted in the third period when Red Wings rookie defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka tied the game at 2:03, cutting along the goal line and lifting a wrist shot over Sorokin’s shoulder. Just under two minutes later, Alex DeBrincat gave Detroit its first lead with a power-play goal at 3:55.
Scott Mayfield pulled the Islanders even at 11:26 of the third, but DeBrincat would have the final say, scoring his second power-play goal of the period at 17:43 to secure the win for Detroit. The goal marked DeBrincat’s 20th of the season.
Standout Performances
Alex DeBrincat was the undeniable star of the night, scoring both Detroit power-play goals in the third period, including the game-winner. These goals continued his hot streak, giving him eight goals and 13 points in his last eight games.
Lucas Raymond quietly had a massive impact, providing three assists on the night for the Red Wings.
In goal, John Gibson earned his sixth straight win for Detroit, stopping 16 of 18 shots. For the Islanders, Ilya Sorokin made 18 saves on 21 shots in a losing effort.
Detroit captain Dylan Larkin had a prime scoring chance with 4:35 remaining, but Sorokin denied him at point-blank range, keeping the Islanders’ hopes alive until DeBrincat’s late winner.
Key Moments
The Islanders’ loss marked their first regulation defeat when leading after two periods this season, dropping their record to 10-1-1 in such situations.
A scary moment occurred in the second period when Red Wings rookie Nate Danielson was hit in the head by DeBrincat’s shot. Danielson went to the locker room with athletic trainers but fortunately returned within five minutes.
Linesman Shandor Alphonso also needed medical attention late in the game after being struck by a deflected shot.
Post-Game Reactions
Islanders captain Anders Lee expressed frustration after the loss: “We were a few minutes away from getting a point out of it, and after being down late in the game, so I think right now that’s the frustrating side of things. But we know we can play better hockey.”
Islanders head coach Patrick Roy, while disappointed with the result, provided some perspective, noting that the team had back-to-back days off coming up that would benefit them given the condensed schedule. About the game-deciding power-play goals, Roy said: “They were two great shots. I don’t think Ilya had much chance on those.”
Series Context
This win allowed Detroit to avoid a season sweep, as the Islanders had dominated the previous two meetings, outscoring the Red Wings 12-2. The season series ends with the Islanders taking two of three games.
With this victory, Detroit improved to 19-12-3 on the season, matching the Islanders’ record and pulling even with them at 41 points in the standings. The Red Wings sit atop the Atlantic Division, while the Islanders hold second place in the Metropolitan Division.
The Red Wings will quickly return to action, hosting the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday, while the Islanders will have a few days off before hosting the Vancouver Canucks on Friday.
Photos: Tim Jarrold – In Play! magazine
