Sorokin Secures NHL-Leading Fifth Shutout, Dominates Oilers in Victory
Ilya Sorokin showcased his exceptional goalkeeping skills as he led the New York Islanders to a narrow 1-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night. The 30-year-old Russian goalie recorded a remarkable 35 saves, marking his fifth shutout this NHL season and the 27th of his career.
Sorokin Dominates in Shutout Victory
Despite facing nearly double the shots from the Oilers, Sorokin’s performance was pivotal in securing the win. Islanders head coach Patrick Roy praised Sorokin’s contributions, stating, “Ilya was outstanding; he made some great saves for us.”
- Sorokin’s shutouts in the 2023-2024 season: 5
- Career shutouts for Sorokin: 27
- Shots faced by Sorokin: 35
- Shots faced by Oilers’ goalie Connor Ingram: 17
The Islanders struck first with a power play goal from Anthony Duclair with 6:18 left in the third period. This marked a crucial moment as they broke through the scoreless deadlock. Calum Ritchie assisted Duclair, allowing him to score his ninth goal of the season.
Defensive Highlights and Near Misses
Edmonton nearly evened the score, particularly in the third period with two shots hitting the posts. An early attempt by Evan Bouchard was thwarted when his shot hit the crossbar before settling under Sorokin. A last-minute shot from Leon Draisaitl also rang off the post, leaving the game at 1-0.
Reflecting on the close calls, Sorokin remarked, “I didn’t see anything, I just heard the post sound and thought it was a goal.”
Key Player Performances
- Anthony Duclair: Scored the only goal for the Islanders.
- Calum Ritchie: Assisted on Duclair’s goal.
- Matthew Barzal: Recorded his 500th career point with an assist.
- Connor McDavid: Ended a 20-game point streak, recording 19 goals and 27 assists during that stretch.
This victory marked a significant achievement for the Islanders, as it was their first shutout in Edmonton since the 1983 Stanley Cup Final. The Islanders have now won four out of their last six games, improving their overall record to 26-16-5.
Upcoming Challenges
Following this triumphant win, the Islanders will look to build on their success as they prepare for future matchups. Meanwhile, the Oilers, despite their loss, remain a formidable opponent having previously recorded an impressive 12-1-0 home record against the Islanders.
For hockey fans, Sorokin’s stellar performance reinforces his status among the top goaltenders in the league, continuing to draw attention for his contributions to the Islanders’ season.
