3 Takeaways From Islanders’ 3-2 Shootout Loss vs Senators

The expectation was that the offense would rebound with the addition of Bo Horvat. Initially, it looked like that would be the case as the Islanders scored 11 goals in their first three games after the All-Star Break. However, it has regressed, often looking lethargic and slow, especially in the offensive zone. The Islanders have been able to control the puck and establish an offensive zone presence but the lack of movement leaves them with minimal effective shots on the net.

Sorokin Keeps the Game Close

Ilya Sorokin saved 32 of the 34 shots he faced and limited a potent Senators offense that averages 3.02 goals per game and entered the game with 23 goals in their last five games. The Senators could have put the game out of reach in multiple instances but Sorokin stepped up and made some remarkable saves, allowing the Islanders to ultimately force overtime and earn a much-needed point.

Unfortunately, Sorokin’s effort couldn’t lead the Islanders to a victory as they came up short in the shootout, which the team is 0-4 in this season. It was another game where he was great in the net but could only do so much to help the Islanders win. Sorokin is having a Vezina Trophy-caliber season and in a league where goaltenders are struggling, he’s putting together a breakout campaign. However, his remarkable year is going to waste as the team around him is failing to step up and take advantage of his great performances.

Nelson Nets His 22nd Goal

In a game where the offense was awful, the one bright spot was Brock Nelson who found the back of the net with a game-tying goal in the third period. With great puck movement on the power play, he found his spot in the offensive zone by the faceoff circle and buried a shot off a one-timer. The goal tied the game and allowed the Islanders to earn a much-needed point in a game they looked poised to lose.

Nelson scored his 22nd goal of the season and extended his point streak to 11 games. While the Islanders have struggled recently, he’s been playing at a high level, building off his first career All-Star Game appearance. His scoring presence has both carried the offense and a team that has otherwise looked hopeless and his production could ultimately allow them to rebound on a rocky season.

Other Takeaways From the Islanders’ Loss

What’s Next for the Islanders?

The Islanders face the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Boston Bruins on back-to-back nights before facing the Penguins again on Feb. 20. This three-game stretch could allow them to crawl back into the playoff picture but also leave them out of the playoff race altogether, especially if they lose games to their Metropolitan Division opponents.

The last three games were prime opportunities for the Islanders to make up ground in the Eastern Conference. They faced three teams that were at the bottom of their divisions with the Canucks, Canadiens, and Senators all struggling but they went 0-1-2 in that span. General manager (GM) Lou Lamoriello made a last-ditch effort to save this team by adding Horvat to the roster but the big move might not be enough to salvage the season. The Islanders don’t look like a playoff team and it leaves the future of the franchise in question.