Islanders Lean on Sorokin’s Brilliance as Road Trip Rolls into Calgary
Ilya Sorokin put on a goaltending clinic Thursday night in Edmonton - the kind of performance that makes you shake your head and wonder if the man’s part octopus. It was a game-stealing, momentum-shifting masterpiece, and it’s the kind of outing that can define a road trip. Now, the Islanders head to Calgary for an afternoon tilt, hoping to ride that wave a little longer.
David Rittich gets the nod in goal for the Isles, and it’s a bit of a full-circle moment. He’s set to face his former team, though as he pointed out, there aren’t too many familiar faces left in that Flames locker room. Still, there’s always something extra when a goalie returns to the rink where he once wore the home sweater.
Flames Hanging Around, But Barely
The Flames are in that awkward spot - not quite bottoming out, but not really in the playoff picture either. They’re hovering a few rungs above the Western Conference basement and sit seven points back of the final wild card spot.
Their recent stretch (5-5 in their last 10) suggests they’re not folding, but they’re not exactly surging either. It’s the kind of season that often ends with a lottery pick and a lot of what-ifs.
So this is a matchup where the Islanders, even without Bo Horvat, should be looking to bank two points. And speaking of Horvat - he won’t be joining the team on this road swing. That’s now confirmed.
Islanders Surviving - and Sometimes Thriving - Without Horvat
No Horvat? No problem - at least for now.
The Islanders are managing thanks to a combination of elite goaltending and some timely contributions up and down the lineup. Sorokin’s heroics are the headliner, but don’t overlook what Anthony Duclair has been doing lately.
He’s found his stride at the right time, giving the Isles a much-needed offensive jolt.
Mathew Barzal couldn’t have been more effusive in his praise of Sorokin after that Edmonton game: “There’s not enough words to describe how good that guy is.” And honestly, he’s not wrong. When Sorokin is locked in like that, he’s not just good - he’s franchise-altering.
From the Room: DeAngelo, Rittich, and a Bit of Personality
Thursday’s practice media availabilities gave us a few nuggets. Tony DeAngelo had some high praise for Adam Pelech, saying, “He may look like a stay-at-home defenseman, but he breaks out like an offensive defenseman.” That’s a subtle but important point - Pelech’s ability to transition quickly and cleanly from defense to offense is a big part of what makes this blue line tick.
As for Rittich, he was asked if he’s a sentimental guy as he returns to Calgary. The Czech netminder smiled and shrugged it off, but you can bet there’s a little extra motivation in this one. Goalies don’t forget.
Around the League: Blowouts, Letters, and Trade Winds
Elsewhere in the NHL, the Carolina Hurricanes absolutely steamrolled the Florida Panthers last night, putting up a 9-spot in a game that looked more like a scrimmage than a showdown. Tampa Bay finally lost - but not before squeezing out a point in regulation.
In New York, Rangers GM Chris Drury penned a letter to fans following the team’s recent struggles. It had all the hallmarks of a genuine message - odd punctuation and all - and tried to address the growing frustration around the team’s lackluster stretch.
J.T. Miller, as it turns out, was not the savior many hoped he’d be.
In Columbus, Dean Evason was reportedly blindsided by his firing. That’s the business, but it never gets easier to hear.
And in Calgary, trade talks are reportedly heating up around defenseman Rasmus Andersson. If the Flames do decide to sell, he’s a name that’ll draw plenty of interest.
One for the Archives: The Ted Nolan Comeback Trail
A story worth revisiting - how Moncton helped revive Ted Nolan’s coaching career, eventually leading him back to the NHL and even a stint with the Islanders. It’s a reminder of how winding the road can be in this game, and how second chances sometimes start in the most unexpected places.
Buffalo’s Buzzing
And over in Buffalo, the Sabres are starting to feel a little magic. It’s been a long time coming, but there’s a sense that something might finally be building there.
Back to the task at hand: the Islanders will need another strong showing in Calgary to keep this trip moving in the right direction. With Sorokin in the zone, Rittich looking to make a statement, and the rest of the lineup stepping up in Horvat’s absence, there’s plenty to watch for in this one.