NY Islanders lean on Ilya Sorokin to take down Dallas Stars in crucial win

The New York Islanders got exactly what they needed at exactly the right time.

Behind a brilliant 26-save performance from Ilya Sorokin, the Islanders edged the Dallas Stars 2-1 on Thursday night at UBS Arena, picking up a critical two points in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Sorokin was sharp from the opening puck drop, setting the tone early with a breakaway stop on Colin Blackwell and a series of high-danger saves that kept Dallas off the board in a fast-paced first period. He remained composed throughout, turning aside every challenge at even strength and standing tall on two key penalty kills.

“Everyone understood it's a big moment in the season, and everybody knows what to do,” Sorokin said. “We should enjoy a game, and if we enjoy a game, we show our best game.”

The only blemish came late, when Matt Duchene scored on a 6-on-5 with just over three minutes remaining, but Sorokin and the Islanders held firm the rest of the way.

Offensively, Bo Horvat gave New York an early lift, scoring his 30th goal of the season just five minutes into the game. Calum Ritchie added what proved to be the game-winner later on, finishing off a play that extended his strong rookie campaign.

At the center of both goals was Matthew Schaefer, who continues to redefine expectations for an 18-year-old defenseman. With two assists, Schaefer reached 54 points on the season, tying Denis Potvin for the second-most by a rookie defenseman in franchise history.

Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger was solid with 23 saves, but the Islanders’ urgency and structure carried the night. Despite the Stars entering as one of the league’s elite teams, New York dictated key stretches and limited second chances.

With the win, the Islanders continue to claw their way through a crowded playoff race, proving once again that when Sorokin is at his best, they can beat anyone.