Islanders Escape Vancouver With a 4-3 Win That Raises as Many Questions as It Answers
The Islanders needed a win in Vancouver - and they got it. But let’s be honest: it wasn’t pretty, and it certainly won’t ease any concerns about this team’s consistency. Against a Canucks squad that came in riding a 10-game winless streak and sitting dead last in the league standings, the Islanders had to claw their way back from behind and hold on late for a 4-3 victory that felt more like a sigh of relief than a statement.
Duclair Stays Hot, and the Isles Needed Every Bit of It
Anthony Duclair continues to be the spark plug on this road trip. He tallied two more goals in this one, both from nearly identical spots on the ice - low in the circle, ready to rip.
His first came off a slick cross-slot feed from Tony DeAngelo to tie the game at 1-1. The second came on the power play, a one-timer from the left side after a sharp setup by Cal Ritchie.
It was textbook Duclair: quick release, great positioning, and just enough space to do damage.
With Kyle Palmieri out for the season, the Isles desperately need someone to step into that scoring void. Duclair’s resurgence - especially coming off last season’s groin injury - couldn’t be more timely.
He’s finding soft spots in coverage, and his linemates are looking for him. That’s a good sign.
Defensive Contributions Carry the Day
The Islanders got more than just solid blue line play - they got goals. Ryan Pulock’s second of the season came at a critical moment, giving the Isles their first lead late in the second.
It was a simple play, but effective: walk down the slot, take what the defense gives you, and finish. Later, Tony DeAngelo added what turned out to be the game-winner off some gritty work by Mathew Barzal and Anders Lee down low.
When your defense is chipping in on the scoreboard, it’s usually a good night. But in this case, it felt more like they had to - because the rest of the group wasn’t exactly firing on all cylinders.
Sorokin Stands Tall - Again
Ilya Sorokin turned aside 29 shots and earned his 16th win of the year, and once again, he was the safety net when things got shaky. He made a huge stop on a Drew O’Connor breakaway right after a failed Islanders 5-on-3, and then held firm through a chaotic final two minutes when Vancouver had the extra attacker and all the momentum.
It wasn’t Sorokin’s flashiest performance, but it was one of those games where you needed your goaltender to be calm, composed, and able to track through traffic. He delivered.
A Sloppy Start and a Nervy Finish
The Isles didn’t exactly hit the ground running. Vancouver opened the scoring less than three minutes in with a tic-tac-toe passing play finished by Max Sasson - his 10th of the year - and the Islanders looked a step slow early.
After Duclair’s first goal tied it, Evander Kane gave the Canucks the lead back with a tip-in, moments after Sorokin had robbed him on a breakaway. Then came a near-equalizer from 18-year-old Matthew Schaefer, but it was wiped out for offside - a tough break, but the right call.
The third period? Let’s call it tense.
The Islanders survived an early push and a squandered 5-on-3 opportunity that could’ve sealed things. Instead, they let Vancouver hang around.
And when O’Connor deflected in a point shot with under two minutes to go, it was panic mode.
Faceoffs became battles. Every puck to the net was a potential disaster.
Sorokin had to be sharp. The Isles had to scramble.
But they held on.
Two Points in the Bank - But Not Much Confidence Gained
Look, a win is a win - and on the road, you take them however you can get them. But this one doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. The Islanders beat the league’s worst team, but it took a comeback, a couple of key saves, and a lot of hanging on.
There were bright spots: Duclair’s finishing, Pulock’s assertiveness, DeAngelo’s late insurance goal, and Sorokin doing Sorokin things. But there were also long stretches of disjointed play, missed opportunities, and defensive lapses that better teams will punish.
The Isles got the job done. But if they want to make noise down the stretch, they’ll need more than just moments - they’ll need 60-minute efforts.
This one? It was more like 20 good minutes and 40 of holding your breath.
Still, two points are two points. And for now, that’s enough.