Rapid Reaction: Islanders Not Singing the Blues, Beat St. Louis 2-1

Elmont–The New York Islanders knocked off the St. Louis Blues on Saturday afternoon by a score of 2-1. The Islanders move to 21-23-8 on the season, 11-11-4 on home ice.

ISLANDERS LINES

Bellows–Pageau–Bailey

Beauvillier–Nelson–Palmieri

Parise–Koivula–Wahlstrom

Martin–Cizikas–Clutterbuck

Pelech–Pulock

Greene–Dobson

Aho–Mayfield

Sorokin

HOW IT HAPPENED

New York Islanders Honor Zdeno Chara

When New York Islanders defenseman Zdeno Chara broke the record for most games played by a defenseman in NHL history back on Feb. 24, the team was in San Jose.

The Islanders honored Chara for career game no. 1,652 (2/24) with a video tribute from teammates past and present, as well as a few gifts.

"He takes pride in coming to the rink every day. He is one of those guys who doesn't take a day off, doesn't take a shift off. There's a reason why he has had such a long and successful career."

Congrats to Zdeno Chara for most games played by a defenseman in #NHL history. pic.twitter.com/IiYuc0gtyR

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) March 5, 2022

Saturday was the date chosen due to the availability of Zdeno Chara’s family to be in attendance.

Wahlstrom Snaps Goal-less Streak

It had been 11 games since Oliver Wahlstrom last scored a goal for the New York Islanders. His minutes had been down as head coach Barry Trotz stated that he was still learning what it meant to be a pro. And Wahlstrom had not been making the most of his minutes, regarding offensive production.

But Wahlstrom got the Islanders on the board first against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday.

One more look at Wahlstrom's goal! pic.twitter.com/z5id67oDKy

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) March 5, 2022

After being stopped by Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington on a breakaway, Wahlstrom, later in the shift, was able to sneak one in from a sharp angle for his 11th of the season.

Nelson Nets 20th

Forward Brock Nelson has been the most consistent forward for the New York Islanders this season. After going four games without a goal, he was back scoring, as he netted his 20th of the season.

Dobson the pass.

Nelson the goal. pic.twitter.com/wMmiqRJKhw

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) March 5, 2022

Brock Nelson missed some time this season due to injury, as he has only played in 43 of the Islanders 52 games this season, but leads the Islanders in goals.

Sorokin Strong

Back on Feb. 27, New York Islanders netminder Ilya Sorokin stopped all 34 shots that came his way in a 4-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks. After a 4-3 loss to the Colorado Avalanche this past Tuesday, Sorokin was not perfect but played quite well for his 18th win of the season.

After a fairly easy day through two periods, with just 13 shots against and 13 stops, Sorokin denied 14 of 15 shots he faced in the third. He made critical stops in the final two minutes to preserve the lead.

Quotes: Cizikas, Nelson, Pulock, Wahlstrom, Trotz

“It’s huge. We’ve done that for a little bit now,  to prove to ourselves that we could play a full sixty, physical, defensively oriented, get timely goals when we need them. It’s big for our confidence.”–Casey Cizikas

“You set benchmarks and goals along the way. And I think that’s been one throughout my career you try to achieve and I’ve been able this year and I’ve been able to get some pucks and play with some good players like the last couple years and have had some success. So it feels good and you try to go for the next one.”–Brock Nelson on reaching 20 goals

“Yeah, I think tonight felt right. Just our game. Top to bottom guys were doing the right things, playing hard, being physical, engaged, blocking shots, all those little things. And yeah, I think we’re a better team than the standings (show) and that’s, that’s on us. We haven’t been good enough, consistent enough. We showed flashes here and there but we just got to stick with that. And, you know, every night, bring that game and you never know. There’s still a lot of hockey to be played, so we’re just gonna stick with it.”–Ryan Pulock

“Yeah, just talking about getting back to my game and keeping things simple. And also just relaxing out there. Just play my game and don’t think too much. It’s been a good learning lesson for me this year for sure.”–Oliver Wahlstrom on his conversations with head coach Barry Trotz

“He’s got lots of talent. Don’t be impatient. He’s gonna be good. He’s gonna be fine. You guys are like McDonald’s. You guys want everything like right now.”–Barry Trotz on Oliver Wahlstrom 

GAME NOTES

The New York Islanders announced that Zdeno Chara had been placed on IR (retro 2/26). Forward Otto Koivula and defenseman Parker Wotherspoon were recalled from Bridgeport (AHL).

Anders Lee missed Saturday’s contest due to personal reasons.

Forward Mathew Barzal missed his fourth straight contest but was a game-time decision.

Matt Martin, after being a healthy scratch for the last two contests, was back in the lineup. Ross Johnston was the lone healthy scratch.

WHAT’S NEXT: The New York Islanders host the Colorado Avalanche Monday night at 7:30 PM ET at UBS Arena.