New York Islanders

3 Takeaways: Sorokin Stellar, Unexpected Producers, Dobson Delivers

Published

2 years ago

February 28, 2022

On Sunday, without Mathew Barzal and Zdeno Chara, the New York Islanders defeated the Anaheim Ducks by 4-0. It was a much different game for the Islanders than what was on display Saturday night in the 5-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings.

Here are the takeaways:

Sorokin Settles In Early

New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin denied all 34 shots that came his way against the Anaheim Ducks for his fifth shutout of the season. Sorokin was dialed in from the start of the contest, as he turned aside shots early. Sorokin was able to get into a rhythm, and once the Islanders got him a few goals of support, it seemed like that would be enough.

What was impressive about Sorokin’s game was his tracking ability.

Throughout the contest, he never got caught not knowing where the puck was. Sorokin found a way to track the puck even on shots through screens. And in the process, he controlled his rebounds. Sorokin’s aggressiveness, for example the right pad save on Kevin Shattenkirk in the third period, was made possible because of where he was in his crease. There is more room for that puck to get past him if he’s anywhere but at the top of the paint.

Not only that, but he was even able to control the rebound on that shot as well.

It was just an impressive effort for a goaltender who had not been at his best. Sunday’s start was more like the Sorokin we have come to know.

Sorokin recorded the 30th NHL win of his career in game no. 57. He now has eight career shutouts to his name.

Johnston & Greene Back in Lineup, Leave Mark

Ross Johnston and Andy Greene had been healthy scratches for the last six games. New York Islanders head coach Barry Trotz went to as he needed a spark.

In career game no. 100, Ross Johnston recorded two primary assists. His first, a cross-seam pass to Casey Cizikas gave the Islanders a 2-0. It was his play in the neutral zone that made the goal possible.

Great pass, great goal. pic.twitter.com/NYGgtsb6KW

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 28, 2022

Andy Greene was the benefactor of another on-the-money Ross Johnston pass to give the Islanders a 3-0 lead.

a BEAUTY from Andy Greene. pic.twitter.com/GVfKpi1wQf

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 28, 2022

Both players were instrumental in the Islanders ability to come out of Anaheim with two points.

“You know, you never want to sit out games and not be out there, but it happens,” Andy Greene said postgame. “Those are the days that you have to put the work in and make sure when you get back in there that you’re ready.

“I think Johnston and I were skating hard to prepare for this, and you know, it’s good to get rewarded tonight.”

Noah Dobson Continues to Shine

New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson was at it again Sunday night. The 22-year old defenseman led the Islanders in minutes played, 22:02, which says a lot about the trust level his head coach Barry Trotz has in him. Dobson came up with a crucial goal, the Islanders first of the night, as he did not hesitate to let a howitzer go from the blue line.

The shot may have bounced towards goal, but it was on target and found a way in.