The NY Islanders are finding success against some of the NHL's hottest superstars

At times during last night's matchup between the NY Islanders and the Edmonton Oilers, it looked as if the Isles were chasing the Oilers through extended shifts over and over. But despite the Oilers' superstars controlling the puck, the Isles stood tall defensively and had a brick wall in net.

The Isles have fared well against opposing superstars this season, especially two who are widely considered the top two forwards in the league, in Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon.

The Isles are snapping streaks

In two games against both the Oilers and Colorado Avalanche this season, the Islanders have only conceded a single point to McDavid and MacKinnon combined.

Faring well against both superstars, the Islanders have also been streak killers against both. McDavid was riding a 20-game point streak into last night, totalling 47 points (19 G, 27 A) before Sorokin’s shutout. Before the first matchup between the Isles and Avs on Nov. 16, MacKinnon had points in 11 straight, registering 23 points (11 G, 12 A) before snapping his streak in a 4-1 Avs victory.

With Sorokin starting three times and Rittich once in mid-October against the Oilers, the Isles’ netminders have stepped up in a big way while also receiving stellar defensive performances from the players in front of goal.

Though scoring has been at a premium for the Islanders of late, Sorokin and Rittich are giving them a chance to win every night. According to MoneyPuck, Sorokin and Rittich rank first and third, respectively, across the league in goals saved above expected.

If the Islanders continue this path towards the playoffs, they’ll come up against some of the best players the league has to offer, and they’ll have the confidence that they can shut down anybody.