Jonathan Toews Registers First Point in Over Two Years as Jets Dominate Islanders 5-2

ELMONT, N.Y. (AP) — Jonathan Toews finally broke a long scoring drought Monday, recording his first point in nearly two and a half years, as the Winnipeg Jets rolled past the New York Islanders 5-2 at UBS Arena. The victory was fueled by a balanced offensive attack, with five different players finding the back of the net.

The Jets’ scorers included Logan Stanley, Mark Scheifele, Nino Niederreiter, Morgan Barron, and Tanner Pearson. Toews, alongside Gustav Nyquist, assisted on Niederreiter’s power-play goal midway through the first period, marking a triumphant return for the veteran center after extensive absences from the NHL.

Toews’ Long Road Back

Toews had missed the past two seasons due to chronic immune response syndrome and the lingering effects of long COVID, forcing the 35-year-old forward to step away from professional hockey during a critical stretch of his career. His return to the scoreboard on Monday represents not only a personal milestone but also a major morale boost for the Jets.

“It felt great to be out there contributing again,” Toews said after the game. “It’s been a long road back, and getting my first point is a step in the right direction. I’m grateful for my teammates and the organization for supporting me through this journey.”

For Toews, known for his leadership on and off the ice, the assist was a reminder of the role he can still play in shaping the Jets’ lineup and providing stability on the power play. Nyquist, who assisted the same goal, praised Toews’ perseverance.

“Having JT back and seeing him get that point was awesome,” Nyquist said. “He’s worked incredibly hard to get back to this level. It’s a big moment for him and for all of us as a team.”

Jets’ Balanced Attack Dominates

Winnipeg’s offense was relentless throughout the game. Logan Stanley opened the scoring, followed by contributions from Scheifele, Niederreiter, Barron, and Pearson, illustrating the depth and versatility of the Jets’ roster.

Eric Comrie was sharp in net, stopping 33 shots and keeping the Islanders at bay, while Ilya Sorokin faced 21 shots and managed to limit the scoring to two goals despite a heavy workload.

The Jets’ five-goal performance also highlighted their ability to capitalize on opportunities. They converted on power plays efficiently, with Niederreiter’s goal standing out as a key turning point early in the contest.

“The team played well all around,” said Jets coach Rick Bowness. “We shared the puck, executed our game plan, and everyone contributed. That’s how you get wins like this.”

Islanders Struggle Continues

The Islanders, meanwhile, remain winless on the season, falling to 0-3-0 after conceding 13 goals in their first three games. Emil Heineman and Jean-Gabriel Pageau scored for New York, but the team was unable to overcome defensive lapses and missed power-play opportunities.

New York went scoreless on five power plays, a statistic that underscored their early-season struggles to generate momentum. The Islanders’ inability to convert on special teams remains a critical area for improvement as they prepare for upcoming matchups.

Looking Ahead

The Jets will look to carry their momentum into a Thursday night road game against the Philadelphia Flyers, hoping to continue their strong start at 2-1-0. Meanwhile, the Islanders are set to host the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday, aiming for their first victory of the 2025 season.

For Toews and the Jets, Monday’s win was more than just a regular-season victory — it was a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the return of one of hockey’s most respected leaders to full strength.

“Every point matters, but this one feels special,” Toews said. “It’s not just about me — it’s about being back with my teammates and helping this team win.”

The Jets’ collective performance, combined with Toews’ long-awaited return to the scoresheet, signals a promising start for Winnipeg. If they can maintain this balanced scoring and tight defensive play, the team could quickly rise in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Islanders face pressing questions as they search for their first win.