After a heartbreaking loss Thursday evening, the Islanders redeemed themselves with a 6-1 win over the Flyers Saturday night at Nassau Coliseum.

Jordan Eberle scored a first period tally to extend the New York lead to 2-0. The goal stood as the game-winner.

The Islanders’ four goals in the first period were too much for the Flyers. Jean-Gabriel Pageau ended an Islanders’ power-play drought with a goal to begin the scoring and then Eberle made it 2-0. Casey Cizikas got the next two and Anthony Beauviller and Josh Bailey added to the lead in the third.

Ilya Sorokin played strong in net, although the defense in front of him made his job not too difficult. Sorokin stopped 23 of 24 shots in another win.

“You’re seeing the confidence growing… he’s been outstanding,” Cizikas said about his rookie goaltender in a postgame interview.

The Islanders led 4-1 at the end of the first, so coach Barry Trotz vocalized defense and defending the lead. The Flyers were held scoreless in the final two periods, and only had three shots in the third period.

Despite the great night from Cizikas, Sorokin, and Oliver Wahlstrom, it was an emotional night for Thomas Hickey.

It was Hickey’s first game since May 3, 2019. Injuries have gotten the best of Hickey, and kept the 32-year-old out of NHL play for almost two years. Tonight, Hickey got two assists.

“It meant everything, really. A very emotional night.” Hickey said.

He dedicated the game to his brother, who passed away in March of 2020, due to a highly aggressive brain tumor.

As for the Flyers, their offense struggled, so the Flyers struggled to keep up. Joel Farabee had the lone goal in the late first period.

Goaltender Carter Hart played in his third game in four days and struggled. He allowed six goals with just 22 saves on 28 shots.

With the win, the Islanders tie the Capitals for the division lead at 44 points. The Capitals have just one game in hand on the Isles.

The Flyers’ loss keeps them just outside the playoff picture looking in. The Flyers still trail the Bruins, who are currently in fourth place, by three points.

The Islanders are in Philadelphia Monday, so another matchup against the Flyers is in store. Monday’s contest will crown the winner of the three game mini-series.

Ben Kule

Die-Hard Islanders fan and writer from Plainview, Long Island, NY. I have a passion and knowledge for this team and I enjoy sharing that with others