Islanders Secure Thrilling Victory Over Lightning, Fueled by Sorokin’s Brilliance
The New York Islanders can breathe a collective sigh of relief, knowing they won’t have to face the formidable Ilya Sorokin again this season. Just one week after Sorokin delivered a shutout against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Islanders’ star goaltender once again carried his team to victory, securing their third win against the Lightning in as many matchups this season.
Despite being outplayed, outgunned, and even outmanned due to the absence of Bo Horvat, who remains day-to-day with a lower-body injury, the Islanders managed a dramatic 3-2 win in a shootout. The hero of the night was Emil Heineman, who netted the decisive goal in the skills competition. This victory not only marked a sweep of the season series against the Lightning for the first time since 2013 but also coincided with the emotional induction of Islanders legend Pat LaFontaine into the team’s Hall of Fame, creating a perfect afternoon for the franchise.
For a brief period, the Islanders even found themselves atop the Eastern Conference standings, surpassing the Capitals and Hurricanes before their respective evening games.
“It just shows us that what we’re doing, we’re doing the right thing,” commented Head Coach Patrick Roy. “By having that joy, having that compassion, having that boldness, it’s exactly what this team needs. And seeing our guys, the way they’ve been playing and what they’re doing, I’m so proud of them. They deserve so much credit for what they’ve been doing. It’s exciting for our franchise.”
The game’s narrative was one of resilience and goaltending heroics. Heading into the third period, the Islanders clung precariously to a 2-1 lead. The second period had been particularly challenging, with the Lightning outshooting the Islanders 17-1. Darren Raddysh managed to break through Sorokin’s defense with a power-play one-timer, which was the sole goal for Tampa Bay during that period.
However, the tide threatened to turn early in the third. Just 3 minutes and 20 seconds into the period, J.J. Moser tied the game at two from the left circle, finally beating Sorokin with a shot that found the back of the net. This goal did little to alter the game’s momentum, which had been heavily dominated by the Lightning from the outset. At one point in the third, it seemed that securing a single point by forcing overtime would be more than the Islanders deserved.
Against all odds, they not only forced overtime but emerged victorious. Raddysh nearly won the game with about 20 seconds left in regulation, but his attempt struck the post. The game ultimately went to a shootout, thanks once again to Sorokin’s exceptional play. He made a crucial 2-on-1 save on Jake Guentzel in overtime, extending the game and then besting Jonas Johansson in the shootout.
“He’s unbelievable,” said forward Cal Ritchie. “He kept us in the game. Every single time he’s in the net, same with [David Rittich], we have a chance to win. It’s one of those nights where we found a way to win.”
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere was the presence of Pat LaFontaine, who was visibly moved by his Hall of Fame induction. LaFontaine also took the opportunity to praise Islanders’ superstar rookie Matthew Schaefer, noting their shared agency, Newport Sports.
“He just turned 18 and I don’t want to say that, but the word generational talent starts to [come up],” LaFontaine remarked during a mid-game interview. “We thought he was gonna be really good. He’s special. He’s a special player.”
Schaefer reciprocated the sentiment, expressing his admiration for the former Islander. “I’ve been texting him a little bit here and there,” Schaefer shared. “He was obviously a great player, great person. … Good to put a face to a name and he’s an amazing guy. Such a great night for him. He deserves it.”
The young forward had already made his mark on the game, scoring just 3 minutes and 5 seconds into the first period. Schaefer unleashed a one-timer past Johansson on the Islanders’ first shot of the game during a 4-on-3 power play. Ritchie, the team’s other promising rookie, extended the lead to 2-0 just seven minutes later, with Anthony Duclair setting him up on a rush.
However, this offensive burst proved to be the Islanders’ primary contribution for the majority of the game.
“I don’t know how much possession they had more than us, but I thought we defended well,” Roy acknowledged. “And there’s nights you gotta defend well. You have to play well in your zone and I thought that’s what the guys did.”
While a win is a win, the Islanders’ performance highlighted areas for improvement. The fourth line struggled, and a reconfigured second line featuring Ritchie centering Duclair and Max Shabanov lacked cohesion. The team’s cycle game was virtually nonexistent, and their zone exits were below the standard expected. Nevertheless, Ilya Sorokin’s extraordinary performance served as the ultimate equalizer. On nights when the team’s overall play falters, Sorokin’s brilliance has proven to be enough to secure crucial victories.