York, from the Detroit suburb of Waterford and a former Michigan State player, scored the tiebreaking goal with 3:57 remaining Sunday to lift the New York Islanders to a 2-1 victory over the Red Wings.
York slammed in the rebound of Jason Blake's shot from the bottom of the left circle. Alexei Yashin also scored for New York, which got 35 saves from Rick DiPietro, several in spectacular fashion.
"I grew up watching Detroit and watching some of the players on their team. I had a lot of family members and friends in the stands," York said. "It's just great to score a goal and great to win."
York has struggled this season. It was only his fourth goal and 13th point with the Islanders, who acquired him from Edmonton in the trade that sent former captain Michael Peca to the Oilers.
It was also the Islanders' first win over Detroit in more than six years, dating to Feb. 27, 1999.
"We didn't dwell on the past," coach Steve Stirling said. "We talked about what we thought we could do to beat a good team."
Mathieu Schneider scored for the Red Wings, who have lost two straight - both at home.
CANUCKS 5, BRUINS 2: Brendan Morrison and Ryan Kesler scored 32 seconds apart for host Vancouver to break open its game in the third period. The Canucks improved to 12-1 at home and retook the lead in the Northwest Division.
SABRES 6, AVALANCHE 4: Visiting Buffalo took a 4-1 lead and chased Colorado goalie David Aebischer after the first period, only to watch the Avalanche battle back and tie it in the third. Derek Roy then pushed the puck past Peter Budaj with 2:27 left for the winner.
