Islander goaltender Ilya Sorokin shines in Montreal shutout as Islanders move up the standings
In an away game against the Montreal Canadiens, Russian-born netminder Ilya Sorokin delivered a standout performance for the New York Islanders. He blanked the Canadiens, turning aside 44 shots and setting a personal best for saves in a single contest. The effort marked the seventh time this season that Sorokin has kept the opponents off the scoreboard while suiting up for the Islanders, reinforcing his role as a reliable shield between the pipes.
The Islanders emerged victorious with a 3-0 triumph, thanks to goals from Zach Parise, Noah Dobson, and Brock Nelson. Each tally illustrated the team’s balanced attack and its ability to capitalize on opportunities when the pressure mounted. Sorokin’s night was highlighted not only by the shutout but also by his steady composure under heavy Montreal pressure, a trait that has become a hallmark of his play since arriving in North America and facing some of the league’s most dangerous offenses.
As the game concluded, Sorokin was named the first star of the match for his spectacular performance in goal. Montreal’s goalie Carey Price earned recognition as the second star after turning in 17 saves, while Islanders defender Noah Dobson captured the third star for contributing a key goal and solid two-way play on the blue line. The game also featured a lengthy shift for Montreal defenseman Alexander Romanov, who logged 23 minutes and 46 seconds on the ice and recorded a minus-one rating in the contest, reflecting the tough night Montreal endured against a determined Islanders squad.
With this win, the Islanders moved to 79 points on the season and maintained a fifth-place position in the Capital Division standings, a reflection of their consistent performance and competitiveness in a tightly contested division. The team’s defensive structure, anchored by Sorokin’s goaltending, has been a stabilizing force that allows the offense to gamble a little more and push for timely goals when the moment calls for it.
Looking beyond the specifics of this game, there is ongoing chatter about the broader ambitions within the sport. Niklas Beckstrom, a former teammate of the celebrated Alexander Ovechkin, spoke about the fervent desire among players of Russian heritage to challenge historic benchmarks set by Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy for consecutive seasons with more than 50 points. The conversation underscores how records remain a powerful motivator within the league, driving players to push beyond perceived limits and reach new heights in pursuit of enduring legacy and national pride. This sentiment resonates with fans in Canada and the United States, where hockey culture thrives on stories of perseverance, rivalry, and the pursuit of excellence that transcends individual games and seasons.