Sorokin steals game as Islanders pull out 3-2 SO victory over Lightning

The New York Islanders pulled out a gritty 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning in the shootout on Saturday evening at UBS Arena.

The game was a tough contest for the Isles as they played without leading scorer Bo Horvat. But that didn’t stop the Isles from jumping out to an early 2-0 lead.

The Isles got goals from young guns Matthew Schaefer and Calum Ritchie. On the night when the Islanders celebrated Pat LaFontaine, it seemed only fitting that the Calder Trophy candidate opened the scoring.

Here’s a look at Schaefer’s goal, as shown on the Islanders’ official X account:

The goal came during a 4-on-3 power play in the first. The tic-tac-toe passing led to Schaefer getting the sick shot off, beating Jonas Johansson for the game’s first tally.

But that wasn’t all. Late in the period, Anthony Duclair and Calum Ritchie took the Lightning to school.

Check out the goal here:

Ritchie showed some serious goal-scorer’s touch on the play. Of course, Duclair deserves a ton of credit for using his speed and finding Ritchie streaking up the ice. The finish was superb and gave the Islanders an early lead. Duclair ended the night with two assists.

However, the lead wouldn’t last. The Lightning chipped away at the lead, eventually tying it in the third period. But if it hadn’t been for Ilya Sorokin, the Lightning would have blown out the Isles.

The Bolts ended up outshooting the Islanders 34-17, with Sorokin keeping his club in the game. He made several highlight-reel saves while getting some help from the post. He stood tall in the shootout, allowing the Isles to eventually win it.

Sorokin’s efforts rightfully earned him the game’s first star. He’s now brought his season numbers to 12 wins to go with a 2.50 GAA and a .912 SV%. Those numbers look Vezina Trophy-worthy and should only get better.

Heineman continues to impress, winning the game for Islanders

Emil Heineman continues to impress in Long Island. While he didn’t score in regulation or overtime, it was his shootout goal that made all the difference on the night.

Here’s a look at the shootout winner:

Mathew Barzal scored on the Islanders’ first shootout attempt. But the Lightning tied on a nifty shot by Brayden Point. The game came down to Heineman’s stick, and he did not miss.

The Islanders have won three straight and have momentarily climbed into first place in the Metro Division. The club is 6-3-1 in its last 10 and shows no signs of slowing down.

The Isles will take on the Detroit Red Wings next Tuesday at the Little Caesars Arena. The game marks a flip-flopping of home and away games the coming week.