The Upshot: Sorokin, NY Islanders shut out the NY Rangers 3-0

HOW IT HAPPENED

Ilya Sorokin made 41 saves for his first shutout of the season and 11th in his young NHL career, and Kyle Palmieri scored his first two goals of the season as the NY Islanders sent the NY Rangers to their fourth straight loss with a 3-0 win at UBS Arena on Wednesday night. Playing in his 999th NHL game, Josh Bailey scored found the net against Jaroslav Halak who made 26 saves for the Blueshirts.

After killing off a pair of Rangers power plays, Kyle Palmieri scored at 8:44 in the second on a snapshot from the slot to put the Islanders on the board, 1-0. JG Pageau and Ryan Pulock picked up the assists on the Palmieri goal. At 5:37 of the third period, Mat Barzal was able to find Josh Bailey in front of the net on a deflection goal to extend the lead. Barzal now has seven assists in seven games. Palmieri would pick up his second goal of the night later in the third period to extend the Islanders' lead to 3-0. It came assisted by Pageau and Adam Pelech. Ilya Sorokin picked up his first shutout of the new year as well against the cross-town rivals.

WHAT WENT RIGHT

Palmieri was not only able to get the Islanders on the board once tonight, but he did it twice. His first goal came about halfway through the second period. The next goal came with about four minutes left in the third period. It was good to see Palmieri get on the point sheet as he only had one point coming into this game so far on the season. He has yet to pick up a goal as well, prior to tonight where he had two.

The Islanders' penalty kill remained as efficient as ever on the ice. They are now currently a perfect 25/25 when it comes to penalty kills as they have yet to allow a power play goal. This is something that the Islanders have improved on a great deal. Last year this could be considered what was the downfall of the Islanders and one of their weakest points.

Bailey was also able to find the net in this game. This was Bailey's first goal, and the first point, of the new campaign. Sorokin continued to play well as well, pitching a shutout to the Rangers' offense. In the game, Sorokin picked up 41 saves in total.

WHAT WENT WRONG

In the first period, a big issue for the Islanders was their pacing of the game, more importantly, their lack of attacking the Rangers' net. This is something that has plagued the Islanders for a while because simply put, their four-man rush hasn't been that good in recent years.

STATS OF THE GAME

The Islanders' penalty kill remains a perfect 25 for 25 on the season. St. Louis (11-11) is the other NHL team not to allow a power play goal. The Isles have matched the NHL record by not allowing a power-play goal in the first seven games. Ilya Sorokin, who tied the franchise record last year with seven shutouts, picked up his first shutout on the season in the Islanders' 3-0 victory. This was his 11th career shutout and first against the Rangers.

SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENT OF THE GAME

Prior to the start of the game, Islanders defenseman Hall of Famer, Dennis Potvin would join the blue and orange army. He brought a few gifts for the Islanders fans in attendance as he started to throw out his new "Potvin Socks." This got the crowd going, and showed that no matter how things may change over time, the Islanders fan will always treasure their past players.

WHAT'S NEXT?

On Friday, Oct. 28 at 7:00 PM, the Islanders will be traveling to Carolina to take on the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena.