TAKEAWAYS
– The Islanders put together a complete effort in the final game of their road trip, gradually improving as the game wore on. The Isles didn’t generate much offensively in the first period, as they were outshot 13-6, with nine Washington shots registering as high-danger chances per Natural Stat Trick, After allowing Wilson’s goal in the first period, the Islanders scored three unanswered goals and Head Coach Patrick Roy was quick to point out Sorokin’s strong efforts in the win.
“I was very happy with this game,” Roy said. “I felt like we were shaky at the beginning the game because of the losses we had, but Ilya [Sorokin] was outstanding. He gave us the belief that we can win this game.”
– It was certainly a rebound effort for Sorokin, who has struggled in his first eight starts, allowing three or more goals in each prior outing. The one goal-against was a season low for Sorokin.
“As a goalie, I’m sure you need a night like this,” Roy said. “Hopefully that’ll bring the confidence that can help him get on a roll.”
– The game featured a goalie duel, as the goaltenders on either side of the ice made highlight reel saves. Sorokin robbed former Islander Anthony Beauvillier, who almost had a wide-open net to shoot at, but Sorokin performed a split to get to the left side of the crease in time to make the save. Thompson robbed Jonathan Drouin in the second period, making a snappy glove save after Drouin cut across the crease to get to his forehand in tight.