Islanders Steal the Matinee with 1-0 Shutout Behind Sorokin’s Heroics
The New York Islanders only had to take a quick ride through the Lincoln Tunnel for their Saturday matinee matchup against the New Jersey Devils—but it’s safe to say the trip home felt even quicker after a 1-0 shutout win at the Prudential Center.
In a game where defense ruled and scoring chances came at a premium, it was Ilya Sorokin who stood tallest, stopping all 39 shots he faced and securing a statement win for the Isles. For the Devils and their fans, it was a frustrating afternoon where a lack of finishing—and a brick wall in net—proved too much to overcome.
🥅 Sorokin Steals the Show
Let’s be honest: this one belonged to Sorokin. The Isles netminder was absolutely locked in from puck drop to final horn. Whether it was glove saves through traffic or sprawling pad stops during chaotic scrambles, Sorokin wasn’t giving up an inch.
“It was one of those games where every save felt like it mattered,” said Islanders captain Anders Lee postgame. “Ilya gave us a chance to win—and that’s exactly what he did.”
With the win, Sorokin notched his sixth shutout of the season and reminded everyone exactly why he’s one of the NHL’s elite goaltenders.
🥍 One and Done: Islanders Capitalize Early
The only goal of the game came early in the first period, when Kyle Palmieri—a former Devil himself—capitalized on a rebound to tuck the puck past Nico Daws and put the Islanders up 1-0. That was all they would need, thanks to a disciplined defensive structure and Sorokin’s heroics in net.
Palmieri didn’t show much in terms of celebration, but you could tell the moment meant something. Scoring against your old team—especially in their barn—always adds a little something extra.
“You never forget where you started,” Palmieri said. “But I’m here to win, and this was a big two points for us.”
❄️ Devils Struggle to Finish
To their credit, the Devils didn’t lack effort. They poured 39 shots on Sorokin, including several prime scoring chances in the third period. Jack Hughes created space like only he can, Jesper Bratt fired lasers from the circles, and the Devils earned three power plays—but the back of the net stayed elusive.
Daws was solid on the other side, stopping 27 of 28 shots, but the lack of scoring support was the real story.
“We liked our game, we just couldn’t finish,” said Devils coach Lindy Ruff. “You have to give credit where it’s due—Sorokin was fantastic.”
It’s the kind of game that leaves a team shaking its head. Dominant in stretches, dialed-in defensively, but without any points to show for it.
🔥 A Playoff-Type Feel
Despite the early afternoon puck drop, the energy in The Rock was intense. With both teams scrapping for position in a tight Eastern Conference race, every hit, save, and zone entry felt like it had playoff implications. There was even a little extra post-whistle chippiness to remind everyone that the postseason is near.
For the Devils, the loss stings—not just because of the shutout, but because it came at home, where they’ve been mostly solid all season. With only a handful of regular season games left, every point matters, and missed opportunities like this can loom large.
🏒 What’s Next?
The Devils will look to regroup quickly as they head out for a short road trip. The message from the locker room is clear: keep the energy, keep the structure—but find a way to bury chances.
Meanwhile, the Islanders are heating up at the right time. With Sorokin rounding into playoff form and their offense doing just enough, they’re positioning themselves as a dangerous team to face in the postseason.
📍 Jersey Hockey, Still the Real Deal
Even in a loss, the game served as another reminder that New Jersey hockey is alive, well, and filled with drama. The Rock was buzzing, fans were on their feet, and every second had weight. This is what hockey season is all about in the Garden State—tight battles, big saves, and rivalries that cross tunnels, rivers, and borough lines.
Stay tuned for more rinkside recaps, player spotlights, and the best places to grab a pre-game bite around The Rock. Want to share your own Devils game-day ritual or favorite local hockey hangout? Drop us a line—we’re always down to explore more of what makes New Jersey hockey so electric.
