New York Islanders Shine: Duclair’s Hat Trick, Sorokin’s Shutout Hand Devils a 9-0 Rout
Third Period Fireworks Seal Dominant Islanders Victory
In a banner night for the New York Islanders, Anthony Duclair notched his first hat trick in over six years, and Ilya Sorokin posted a 44-save shutout, as the Isles crushed the New Jersey Devils, 9-0, on Tuesday at Nassau Coliseum.
Duclair’s Hat Trick Headlines Impressive Attack
Back in the lineup after being a healthy scratch the previous two games, Duclair turned in a vintage performance, scoring three consecutive goals and tallying two assists for a career-high five-point night. The winger’s fourth career hat trick was his first since Dec. 14, 2019, when he was with the Ottawa Senators.
- Duclair’s first goal came just 4:01 into the opening frame, snapping a 2-0 Islanders lead.
- He added his second at the 7:06 mark of the first and completed the hat trick at 3:29 of the second.
- The 27-year-old native of Pointe-Claire, Quebec, also assisted on goals by Mathew Barzal and Cal Clutterbuck.
Sorokin Stunning in Return, Records Franchise Shutout Record
Making his first appearance since Dec. 19 due to a nagging lower-body injury, Sorokin was exceptional, turning aside all 44 shots he faced to record his 26th career shutout. His 37th save of the night, a right pad stop on Jesper Bratt’s point-blank try with 4:54 left in the second, broke Billy Smith’s franchise record for career shutouts.
Devils Struggle, Then Crumble
The Devils struggled from the start, as Islanders forwards repeatedly beat their defenders to loose pucks in the Islanders’ offensive zone. Things went from bad to worse when goaltender Jacob Markstrom allowed goals on the first two shots he faced, setting the tone for a miserable night.
- Markstrom finished with nine goals on 24 shots before being replaced by Akira Schmid to start the third.
- The Devils dropped their second consecutive game and have lost six of their past eight.
Islanders Keep Pace in Tight Metropolitan Division Race
With the victory, the Islanders moved to 34-16-5 (73 points), good for second place in the Metropolitan Division, four points behind the Carolina Hurricanes.
Schaefer Adding to Historic Rookie Campaign
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Schefer, the No. 1 overall pick and favorite for the Calder Trophy, extended his point streak to five games (five goals, four assists) with an assist on Barzal’s opening goal at 0:42 of the first. The 21-year-old Buffalo, New York, native has 24 goals and 29 assists in 55 games this season.
Up Next
The Devilsthe Devils host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, while the Islanders embark on a seven-game road trip, opening in Nashville versus the Predators on Thursday.
FAQ
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Q: Who recorded the hat trick for the Islanders on Tuesday?
A: Anthony Duclair -
Q: Which Islanders’ goaltender secured a shutout in his return from injury?
A: Ilya Sorokin -
Q: How many shots did the Devils’ Ilya Sorokin face, and how many did he save?
A: 44 saves on 44 shots -
Q: How many points did Matthew Schaefer record in Tuesday’s game?
A: 1 assist
Did You Know?
The Islanders’ nine-goal output on Tuesday was their highest in a single game this season. They had previously scored eight goals against the San Jose Sharks on Nov. 23, 2022.
Pro Tips
- Keep an eye on Anthony Duclair’s ice time. If he maintains strong production, look for him to cement a top-six role for the Islanders down the stretch.
- Ilya Sorokin has been exceptional this season. With Semyon Varlamov struggling, expect Sorokin to continue receiving the lion’s share of starting duties.
Takeaways
The Islanders offense looked dynamic and opportunistic on Tuesday, while the Devils struggled mightily in their own end. With two wins in a row, the Isles continue to keep pace in the tightly contested Metropolitan Division.
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Call-to-Action
Stick around for more analysis and reaction from Tuesday’s big win, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below! What has impressed you the most about the Islanders’ play this season?