The Bruins stole one. They lost the expected-goals battle 3.51–2.82 and won anyway.
Boston won 5-2 against New York despite being outplayed. The Islanders controlled 55% of expected goals at 5v5, finishing with a 3.51–2.82 xG advantage—a heist.
Goaltending determined the outcome. J. Korpisalo stopped 1.51 goals above expected, posting a 0.943 SV% on 35 shots. I. Sorokin allowed 1.18 goals above expected on just 21 saves, a 0.810 SV%. One stole the show; the other folded.
Boston's finishing was ruthless where it counted. They scored two goals from low-danger spots—the kind opposing goalies are supposed to save—and converted five of 26 rush opportunities into goals. Their power play was dominant: two goals on 11 shots (0.93 xG).
New York scored twice on 27 rush attempts but wasted five rebound opportunities and underperformed their 3.51 xG by 1.51 goals. A collapse in goaltending compounded the issue.
Boston held 39% of shot attempts (22–35 on goal) and dominated high-danger chances 5–2. Fraser Minten's wrist shot from the high slot, 16:37 into the third period, was the turning point—it shifted momentum permanently.
The Bruins overperformed their expected goals by 2.18, a stark reminder that elite finishing punishes poor execution. New York played the better game on paper—controlled possession, created quality chances, spent time in dangerous ice. Then finishing and goaltending cost them everything.
