ELMONT, NY — The New York Islanders showcased their defensive prowess as goaltender Ilya Sorokin delivered an outstanding performance, leading his team to a 2-1 win over the Dallas Stars at UBS Arena on Thursday. Sorokin, who made 26 saves, has allowed just one goal in his last two games. During Sunday’s match against the Columbus Blue Jackets, he tied a franchise record with his seventh shutout of the season.
“I don’t even know what more I can say good about him,” forward Bo Horvat said about Sorokin. “He’s a phenomenal player, we’re so lucky to have him, and he was phenomenal again tonight.”
Horvat scored his 30th goal of the season in the first period, and Cal Ritchie’s tally in the third secured the win for New York. With this victory, the Islanders (41-27-5, 87 points) reclaimed a playoff spot, surpassing the Ottawa Senators for the second Wild Card position in the Eastern Conference. The Senators lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins, who the Islanders trail by one point for third place in the Metropolitan Division, in a shootout on Thursday night.
“Everyone understood that this was a big moment in the season,” Sorokin said. “Everybody knows what they should do, and every game is like a last game. But in the end, we should enjoy the game. If we enjoy it, we show our best game.”
Horvat opened the scoring 4:48 into the game with a wrist shot from the left circle, becoming the 19th player in franchise history to achieve multiple 30-goal seasons. Despite relying heavily on Sorokin’s brilliance, the Islanders managed to maintain their lead. Sorokin denied several Grade-A opportunities, including a shorthanded breakaway and multiple power-play chances.
Though Horvat nearly scored again from a similar spot in the second period, his shot hit the post, sparking a strong offensive push from the Islanders. Simon Holmstrom drew a penalty, creating chances for his team, while Jean-Gabriel Pageau missed an open net.
Sorokin ended the second period with a crucial save against Mavrik Borque at the buzzer. The Islanders extended their lead when Matthew Schaefer’s shot deflected off Ritchie’s foot into the net early in the third period.
“That’s what we want from him,” head coach Patrick Roy said of Ritchie’s goal. “Even in the third period, at some point, he went behind the net, held the puck, protected the puck, and used his body. I’m happy for him. He’s using his body.”
Kyle MacLean almost added a third goal, but Jake Oettinger made a save to keep Dallas within reach. The Stars managed to score with 2:59 remaining when Matt Duchene capitalized on a turnover, preventing Sorokin from achieving a record eighth shutout.
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