A Unique Goal for Ilya Sorokin
In a highly entertaining Saturday night clash, the New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin was credited with his first career goal in a surprising turn of events. The goal came when Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos inadvertently passed the puck into his own empty net with just 12 seconds remaining in the game. This fluke play gave the Islanders a 7-4 victory, adding a memorable footnote to the evening’s hockey action. Sorokin, known primarily for his stellar saves, now has a rare and unique distinction to his name, joining a select group of goalies who have scored in the NHL.
Offensive Explosion for the Islanders
Brock Nelson stood out as the Islanders’ offensive star, contributing two goals and an assist to the team’s success. His short-handed goal early in the second period, just 2:38 into the frame, gave New York a commanding 4-1 lead. Nelson added his 19th goal of the season at 16:21, further solidifying the Islanders’ dominance. Other key scorers for the Islanders included Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Kyle Palmieri, Bo Horvat, and Casey Cizikas. Adam Boqvist and Simon Holmstrom each provided valuable support with two assists. Sorokin’s 23 saves were crucial, but it was the goal that made headlines and left a lasting impression on fans and players alike.
Predators’ Resilience and Loss
Despite their efforts, the Nashville Predators suffered their third loss in four games. Cole Smith was a bright spot for the Predators, scoring two goals. Marc Del Gaizo and Colton Sissons also found the back of the net, and goaltender Juuse Saros made 30 saves. The Predators’ team chemistry and resilience were evident, but they couldn’t overcome the Islanders’ relentless offensive pressure. The game was a rollercoaster, with moments of brilliance from both sides, but ultimately, the Islanders’ depth and execution proved too much for Nashville to handle.
Trade Deadline Rumors
The Predators made a significant move ahead of the March 7 trade deadline, trading forward Gustav Nyquist to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL draft. As part of the deal, the Predators will retain 50 percent of Nyquist’s salary. This move reflects the Predators’ strategic decision to focus on building for the future rather than contending this season. For the Islanders, Nelson’s name is being mentioned as one of the top players who could be available for trade. Given that the Islanders are not currently in the Eastern Conference playoff conversation, they may explore options to bolster their lineup or acquire future assets through trades.
Key Moment of the Game
A pivotal moment came in the final minute of the first period when Bo Horvat capitalized on a costly Nashville turnover. Horvat buried a rebound, which extended the Islanders’ lead to 3-0. This goal was crucial as it set the tone for the rest of the game. The Islanders outshot the Predators 19-3 in the first period, demonstrating their overwhelming control and intensity from the start. This early advantage proved to be a significant factor in the Islanders’ eventual victory, as it allowed them to dictate the pace and maintain a mental edge over their opponents.
Looking Ahead
The Predators will continue their three-game road trip with a visit to the New York Rangers on Sunday. This upcoming match will be a tough test for Nashville as they aim to bounce back from their recent losses. Meanwhile, the Islanders will host the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday, hoping to build on their recent momentum. Both teams face challenging schedules but will be motivated to secure important victories in the coming days. The Islanders, in particular, will look to capitalize on their offensive prowess and solid goaltending, while the Predators will need to tighten their defensive strategies to avoid similar turnovers and stay competitive.
