BOSTON — The New York Islanders (26-25-7) secured a much-needed victory over the Boston Bruins (27-25-8) on Thursday night at TD Garden, winning 2-1, thanks to stellar goaltending from Ilya Sorokin. Despite being outshot and outplayed for significant stretches of the game, Sorokin's performance, highlighted by 36 saves, was pivotal as the Islanders snapped their four-game losing streak.
After the game, head coach Patrick Roy praised the team's effort, stating, "We stood our ground. There’s a swagger, there’s a confidence, there’s energy and feeling when things are going right." This win may allow them to stay hopeful as they look toward the upcoming NHL trade deadline.
The first period saw the Bruins dominate play, outshooting the Islanders 16-2. The Islanders' Alexander Romanov, though, turned the tides with a goal late in the period after coming out of the penalty box. The Bruins' early dominance was neutralized when Romanov connected on Jean-Gabriel Pageau's feed off the rush, scoring the opening goal at 16:32. Notably, the Islanders recorded their first shot of the game after 16 minutes of play.
Following Romanov's strike, Kyle Palmieri increased the lead for the Islanders early in the second period, scoring after pouncing on Brock Nelson's rebound. This goal came against the run of play and served to deflate the Bruins' momentum. Despite the favorable scoreline, the Bruins continued to press, with Sorokin making numerous clutch saves, ensuring the Islanders maintained their lead.
With just under ten minutes remaining, the Bruins finally found the back of the net when David Pastrnak scored on what became deemed as an own goal from Tony DeAngelo, who inadvertently redirected the puck past Sorokin. This goal shifted the momentum back to Boston, who intensified their attack seeking the equalizer.
"It’s just one game. We win today, OK, of course I see everything,” Sorokin joked after the win. “It’s just one game. Should [still] work on details and try to use it in my game." Despite allowing the one goal, Sorokin's performance was instrumental, showcasing his skills even as the team struggled to maintain possession.
Meanwhile, the Islanders received good news about Noah Dobson, who came off long-term injured reserve to replace Mathew Barzal on the active roster. Dobson had been sidelined but made his return against the Bruins, logging 18:54 minutes and contributing to the Islanders' defensive efforts.
“Overall, felt pretty good,” Dobson remarked, reflecting on his performance after spending weeks recovering. “Still a little off, I feel like, timing and some touches. Overall, I thought it was a good first game and a big win.” His activation was made possible by Barzal's shift to long-term injured reserve.
Looking toward the future, changes are on the horizon for the Islanders as they assess both their playoff prospects and potential roster shifts. The upcoming trade deadline has General Manager Lou Lamoriello under pressure to decide the direction of the team. The win may bolster Lamoriello's optimism, but externally, the prevailing view leans toward the Islanders needing to sell players to rebuild.
Roy emphasized the importance of collaboration among players, reflecting on how the team's veterans must guide younger players like Simon Holmstrom, who has been stepping up as the team faces injury setbacks. Holmstrom's consistent improvement was highlighted as he logged significant ice time and showcased growing confidence on the ice.
“He's been great,” Palmieri commented on Holmstrom's progress, noting how young players evolve by gaining experience. “You watch confidence and their game grow as they get more experience." Holmstrom's recent performances have positioned him as one of the future fixtures among the Islander forwards, especially with other core players potentially departing.
The Islanders' situation highlighted the tension between hope and skepticism as they cling to aspirations of reaching the playoffs, sitting seven points behind the final playoff spot. With just hours before the March 7 trade deadline, how Lamoriello decides to act could dictate the rest of this challenging season.
Upcoming matches present opportunities for the Islanders to build on their recent success. They face off against the Nashville Predators next, where adjustments to the lineup are expected. Pierre Engvall returns after being scratched against the Bruins, indicating changes will be made as the team seeks to solidify its performance.
Overall, the Islanders must continue to capitalize on favorable matchups and fortify their roster during this pivotal stretch. With players like Sorokin leading the charge and younger prospects stepping up, the Islanders will aim to prove they are still contenders as they push through the final stretch of the season.