Ilya Sorokin shuts out Devils as Islanders end losing streak
- Bo Horvat scored the only goal of the game late in the second period.
- Ilya Sorokin made 25 saves, earning his second 30-win season in his career.
- The Islanders ended their losing streak, while the Devils are preparing for the postseason.
In Newark, New Jersey, on Sunday, April 13, 2025, the New York Islanders achieved a narrow victory over the New Jersey Devils, finishing the match with a score of 1-0. Bo Horvat made the decisive play by scoring late in the second period after intercepting a pass from Devils forward Timo Meier, marking his 28th goal of the season. Goalkeeper Ilya Sorokin delivered a stellar performance with 25 saves, securing his 22nd career shutout and improving his season record to 30-23-6. This win was crucial for the Islanders as it broke a three-game losing streak, coming a day after they were eliminated from postseason contention with a defeat in a shootout against the Philadelphia Flyers. The match was also significant for Sorokin, who returned to action after a three-game absence due to a lower body injury. His exceptional play helped the Islanders to maintain their lead, especially after the Devils captain, Nico Hischier, narrowly missed an opportunity to equalize in the final seconds by shooting wide. This game marked the ninth time this season that the Devils have been kept scoreless, highlighting the effectiveness of the Islanders' defensive play. Following this game, the atmosphere surrounding the Islanders shifted as they attempted to focus on rebuilding their play after struggling throughout the latter part of the season. They have now missed the playoffs for the first time in three years, having lost to the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round in both of the previous two seasons. For the Devils, even with this loss, they continue their journey to the postseason for the second time in three years, preparing to face the Carolina Hurricanes once again in the first round. This win amidst their playoff aspirations reflects the ongoing competitive nature of the league and the challenges that teams face during the final stretch of the regular season. Looking ahead, both teams have upcoming matches that could impact their standing and morale. The Devils will be visiting the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, while the Islanders will host the Washington Capitals in their next game. Ultimately, the outcome of these games will shape the narratives for both franchises heading into the future.