Mitchell Earns Iron Man Mask in 5-2 Win Over Ducks 

Travis Mitchell had a night of firsts on Thursday. The rookie defenseman scored his first NHL goal, which doubled as his first NHL point, and earned his first Iron Man mask as the New York Islanders player of the game.

“It was pretty unbelievable,” Mitchell said after the game. “You dream of it ... to score in the NHL ... so to be able to do it was pretty cool.”

Scott Mayfield’s point shot kicked off the end boards and right to Mitchell’s stick in the left circle, leaving the rookie with an open net to give the Isles a 1-0 lead in the first period.

Mitchell recorded three shots and dealt one hit in 12:45 TOI in the 5-2 win. It was the second most TOI he’d played through seven games to start his NHL career.

The rookie was signed by the Islanders as a free agent in 2023. He has spent portions of the last three seasons with the Bridgeport Islanders in the AHL. This season he has found a role on a defensive pair with Mayfield since being recalled to the Islanders on Nov. 26.

“He’s been a great partner,” Mitchell said. “He’s always talked to me ... always helping me out, so it’s been awesome.”

Ryan Pulock was the most recent Iron Man mask recipient before Mitchell.