I saw a few people point out a few interesting moments and parallels from this game but not in one post (if it was already made, sorry). Disclaimer: I am not throwing any of them under the bus. And also English isn't my first language so there may be some mistakes.

In this game we saw three NHL first overall picks, two of them were chosen by Islanders. First of all, we saw Matthews score two goals to equal and then to pass the Toronto franchise record, which is extremely good. I am honestly happy that dude finally looks like himself and picked up his game. His first goal was beautiful. After that in 3rd period we saw Schaef score almost identical goal, I am not kidding I got chills watching the replay. Literally the exact same goal. And then we see Schaef score overtime winner with Tavares (who didn't get points in this game) looking at him. Cinematic shot, really (https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS5aYRWAX/).

So we saw Matthews get Toronto franchise record of most goals, then we see Schaef do his thing and draw attention to himself (I do not in any way belittle the importance of Heineman's and Pelech's goals or Barzal's assist). And we also see Tavares doing not a lot this game. And we all know the history of Tavares leaving Islanders for his hometown. And then we see the cinematic shot of him looking at Matthew getting the game winning goal and celebrating with everyone.

I just find these coincidences pretty symbolic.

Also Tavares getting 1000 points, Ovechkin and Matthews beating the records in games against Islanders and then loosing these games is funny too.

And also with this assist to Schaefer Barzal passes Tavares to become 6th in all time in Islanders assists.

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  2. My headcanon is the Ovechkin goal inspired Sorokin and has driven him to play harder than he ever has before because he doesn’t want to be remembered for that one highlight reel that’s going to be shown for the next 30 some odd years till someone smashes Ovechkin record.

  4. I noticed that too, it’s one of those things that’s enough to make the neutrals viewing it on the national broadcast think it was all planned probably. Hell of a lot better of a game than the Winter Classic, I’ll tell you that.

  6. Also just like Matthews tied then passed the Leafs all time goal leader, Barzal tied then passed Tavares in islanders assists

  7. The symbolism I’ll remember is one team clearing the benches for an individual’s accomplishment while another did it for a team accomplishment.

  8. This makes me think of jt’s tenure with ny and toronto and how i think while he is good player, he was never a leader. Players back him up and say he is but his demeanor and body language never really inspire anything. Coincidentally the islanders get good when he left (yes coaching and management changes helped a lot) but he goes to a juggernaut toronto team and they keep floundering in the playoffs. On top of that they took away his captaincy and gave it to matthews. Always felt like he was a locker room cancer, just not an overt one. Idk, maybe it’s all coincidence but the picture kind of brings it full circle. I do wish the best for him though as a person, but he could’ve left in a better fashion instead of feeding everyone a bunch of bs about wanting to stay.

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