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The New York Islanders defeated the New York Rangers on Wednesday, with Ilya Sorokin picking up a shutout in the 3-0 win.
The Islanders had some early power play chances in the first period but couldn’t capitalize and the Rangers then started to take over pretty quickly after that. They outshot the Islanders pretty badly in the back half of the frame and were getting some pretty good chances off the rush, but Ilya Sorokin came up with 17 saves in the frame to keep the game scoreless through 20 minutes.
In a more even second period, however, the Islanders struck first, with Kyle Palmieri not being able to get an initial shot off on a rush, before managing to get it back and beat Jaroslav Halak, who was deep in his net. Then in the third period, the Islanders were able to increase their lead, first with Adam Pelech finding Josh Bailey in front for a tap-in, then with a great shot from Palmieri. The Islanders hung on for the 3-0 win after that, with Sorokin picking up his 11th career shutout.
After being outplayed badly in the back half of the opening frame, the Islanders put together a solid effort.
Obviously, Sorokin played a huge role in the win as well. He stopped 41 shots in the win and had to be great, especially early on.
It was also good to see Bailey and Palmieri get their first goals of the year. Both forwards are counted on to be important members of the top-nine but have been pretty underwhelming, dating back to last season.
Given the Islanders’ tough stretch of games right now, it was also important to inch closer to the .500 mark and avoid slipping to 2-5-0.
Their next game comes tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes.
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In other news, Kieffer Bellows was claimed by the Philadelphia Flyers, after being placed on waivers by the Islanders yesterday.
Bellows is 24 years old and was originally selected 19th overall by the Islanders in 2016. He had played in just one game with the Islanders this season and scored 11 goals and 25 points in 68 career games with New York. He’s on a one-year contract, worth $1.2 million.
While Bellows never really managed to earn a permanent spot in the lineup, it’s still a loss to see him go. New York has so little young talent up front that Bellows leaving for nothing is unfortunate. He’s still fairly young and I’d say there’s still a chance he ends up becoming a full-time NHL forward.
***Note: Apologies for the delay on the recap - the site was down yesterday.
OTHER ARTICLES FROM OCTOBER
Islanders sign Mathew Barzal to eight-year contract extension
Islanders announce opening night roster
Andy Greene announces retirement
Islanders fall short against Panthers in season opener
Islanders blow out Ducks, Lane Lambert picks up first win as NHL head coach
Islanders earn another home win, defeat Sharks 5-2
Islanders fall flat in loss to Devils
Islanders lose to Lightning in first road game of season
Islanders come up short against Panthers for third straight loss 
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