Bo Horvat scored the game-winning goal late in the second period, and Ilya Sorokin posted a 25-save shutout as the New York Islanders defeated the New Jersey Devils 1-0 on Sunday night at the Prudential Center.
Horvat’s Timely Goal Secures Victory
Horvat capitalized on a critical turnover by Devils forward Timo Meier, intercepting a pass and rifling the puck past goaltender Jacob Markstrom with just 57 seconds remaining in the second period. The goal marked Horvat’s 28th of the season, sealing the win in a tightly contested defensive battle.
Sorokin Records Fourth Shutout of Season
Making his return after a three-game absence due to a lower-body injury, Ilya Sorokin was flawless between the pipes. He turned away all 25 shots he faced, earning his fourth shutout of the season and the 22nd of his NHL career. Sorokin improved to 30-23-6, reaching the 30-win milestone for the second time in his five-year career.
Injury Update: Pelech Leaves After High Hit
Islanders defenseman
Adam Pelech left the game in the second period after taking a high hit from Devils forward Paul Cotter, who received a five-minute major and game misconduct for the infraction. Head coach Patrick Roy had no immediate update on Pelech’s condition postgame.
Islanders End Skid, Devils Eye Postseason
New York snapped a three-game losing streak, rebounding just one day after being eliminated from playoff contention with a shootout loss to Philadelphia. The Islanders, who reached the postseason the last two years, were unable to clinch a spot in 2025.
The New Jersey Devils, already locked into a playoff berth for the second time in three seasons, suffered their ninth shutout loss of the year. Despite the defeat, they’re set to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Devils captain Nico Hischier had a prime chance to equalize in the final seconds but missed wide on a breakaway opportunity.
Team Stats and Next Games
- Islanders improved to
16-17-7 on the road, picking up their first away win since
March 18.
- Sorokin returned just one week after giving up
Alexander Ovechkin’s historic 895th goal.
- New York is now
19-5-6 when scoring first, compared to
15-29-6 when conceding the opening goal.
- Devils dropped to
19-16-5 at home, with a stronger
22-16-2 record on the road.
- Markstrom stopped 21 shots in the loss.
Upcoming Matchups
- New Jersey Devils: Travel to face the
Boston Bruins on
Tuesday.
- New York Islanders: Return home to host the
Washington Capitals, also on
Tuesday.
