The Islanders' most dynamic duo and highest-paid players had struggled offensively to open the 2024-25 season, with Barzal entering the game with just four points (one goal, two assists) in six games, while Horvat had three points (two goals, one assist).

The Islanders led 3-2 entering the final 20 minutes after Kyle Palmieri tipped in Alexander Romanov’s one-timer at 11:28 of the second, but the hostilities on either side had risen after a Kurtis MacDermid open-ice hit took off Romanov’s helmet earlier in the period.

The Devils tied the game late in the third, then Mathew Barzal gave Horvat a perfect feed for a one-timer goal