Cowan, Stolarz push Maple Leafs past Islanders 2-1

Toronto's Easton Cowan led the charge as the Maple Leafs edged past the New York Islanders 2-1 on Wednesday night. Colton Sissons added a goal for Toronto, who secured 26 saves from goaltender Anthony Stolarz. Emil Heineman scored for New York, who earned 26 stops from Ilya Sorokin. The Maple Leafs suffered a 3-2 defeat to the Montreal Canadiens in their season opener, while the Islanders played in their first game of the 2026-27 season.

Sissons redirected his first goal for Toronto at 7:14 in the first period off a Nick Paul assist before Cowan put the puck away with 11:55 left in the first. Stolarz maintained his perfect record through the third, including a crucial save with his right hand on Anthony Duclair in the final moments. New York's Matthew Schaefer led the team with 23 goals in his rookie season, needing two more to surpass Bobby Orr's mark for the most by a teenage defenseman.

Cowan's rebound goal came after Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly redirected the puck down low to set up Jack Roslovic for the initial shot. Cowan had 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists) in 22 playoff games for Toronto's AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, last season when they won the Calder Cup. The Maple Leafs will face the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, while the Canadiens host the New Jersey Devils on the same day.