Ilya Sorokin returns to earn shutout in NY Islanders 1-0 win over Devils

It was somewhat of a surprise when goaltender Ilya Sorokin led the New York Islanders onto the ice Sunday afternoon in New Jersey. After missing the previous two games with a lower-body injury suffered in Nashville—and with the team already eliminated from playoff contention—many assumed the franchise goaltender had played his final game of the season.

But the injury wasn't serious and head coach Patrick Roy had other plans.

Sorokin not only returned but reminded everyone what he's capable of, stopping all 25 shots he faced in a 1-0 shutout win over the Devils. It was a commanding performance from a goalie with nothing left to prove this season—but plenty of pride to play for. “I had a rest,” Sorokin said postgame. “The doctors said I’m ready, and it doesn’t matter how many games are left or that we’re not in the playoffs. You should play if you can play.”

Bo Horvat, who scored the lone goal of the game, echoed that sentiment. “Yeah, it’s amazing,” he told Newsday. “He could have easily mailed it in for the season after we lost the last game. It just shows the type of person he is, player he is, teammate he is—to come and play what is kind of a meaningless game for both sides.”

The win also had some historical significance. Sorokin earned his 22nd career shutout and 30th victory of the season, tying Hall of Famer Billy Smith for second in franchise history in shutouts. Glenn 'Chico' Resch holds the franchise lead with 25. He also became just the second goalie in Islanders history to record multiple 30-win seasons, joining Rick DiPietro. “We played really well in front of him and that’s what I was hoping to see,” Roy said. “We gave up less than 25 shots, he deserved a performance from us like this, and when he had to, he made those saves.”