– The Islanders were up 4-2 heading into the third, but weren’t out of the woods, as 2024 first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini made it 4-3 at the 10:16 mark of the third. With their lead cut in half, the Islanders fended off an important penalty after Scott Mayfield was called for tripping 25 seconds after the goal. Sorokin stepped up late, stopping Celebrini in the slot and William Eklund’s one-timer denied. He got some help from Simon Holmstrom was out to protect a one-goal lead and he came up with a couple of huge blocks.
– The Islanders power play scored twice, but did allow a shorthanded goal, as Ty Dellandrea spring Graf in the low slot, who went top shelf on Sorokin. The Isles used their power play to grab one back, as Mathew Barzal sent a cross-crease pass to a wide-open Horvat, whose shot zipped past the shoulder of Askarov to even the score at one apiece. The Isles’ power play struck again late in the first period, as Lee’s second effort at the left side of the crease was there for Heineman to stuff past Askarov for the Isles’ third goal of the game. The 23-year-old winger extended his point streak to four games (3G, 1A) in the process, tying a career-high.
NEXT GAME
The Islanders wrap a two-game homestand with a matchup against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.