Ilya Sorokin was the star of game and played a pivotal role in Sunday’s shutout win over Pittsburgh at Nassau Coliseum. Off of a goal each from Oliver Wahlstrom and Jean- Gabriel Pageau, the Islanders shutout the Penguins, 2-0. Sorokin recorded 20 saves and the Islanders outskated the Penguins all night tonight.

Islanders Game Analysis

First Period

The first period started out pretty slow for both teams. Towards the middle of the first period, the Islanders started to find their footing. They began making smarter passes and getting good shots on goals by multiple players including Noah Dobson, Adam Pelech, Anthony Beauvillier, and Brock Nelson.

Islanders dominated in shots on goal as well, winning 9-2 in that department. The Islanders did a great job at keeping the puck in the Penguins zone for most of the period. This helped attribute to very minimal shots on goal by Pittsburgh. Sorokin picked up two saves as well.

With less than a minute remaining in the first period, Wahlstrom scored a power-play goal. This was Whalstrom’s second goal in the past three games. He also extended his point streak to four games on the goal.

Second Period

The second period featured more of the same as the first. The Islanders got off to a slow start. They picked up a second power-play opportunity early on this period. Unfortunately, they couldn’t capitalize on it and the game remained 1-0 in favor of New York.

Towards the end of the period, the Islanders had another power-play opportunity. This time the result was different. Pageau scored a goal off an assist by Wahlstrom. Wahlstrom now has his first multiple-point game and continues to prove himself on the Islanders.

Sorokin picked up eight more saves this period. Towards the very end of the period, things started getting a little rough for the Islanders. However, thanks to a massive goal-saving block from Dobson, and great saves from Sorokin, the period ended, and the Islanders had a shutout against the Penguins.

Third Period

The third period was all New York. Early on in the third, the Penguins got a power-play off of a poor penalty by Jordan Eberle. The penalty kill was successful though and held the Penguins off the scoreboard. Over this penalty kill, Sorokin picked up four saves alone.

The Islanders got two more power-play opportunities during the third, but both proved to be unsuccessful. Sidney Crosby and Beauvillier went at it a little bit at the end of the second period. The Islanders were able to keep Pittsburgh out of the net and keep them off the scoreboard to secure the shutout.

Islanders Takeaways

There is a ton we can take away from this game. However, to just name a few, Wahlstrom is heating up. He has shown to be a major force on the team and picked up his first multiple-point game. He also extended his point streak to four games.

Also, the Islanders as a whole are on a four-game point streak as well. If this keeps up New York can find itself in a very good spot come playoff time in an already shortened season.

What’s Next?

The Islanders will be playing the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday. The pre-game show starts at 6:30PM with puck drop at 7:00PM. You can find this game on MSG+. Fans will be in attendance.

John Smark