Nov 1, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) celebrates with defenseman Scott Mayfield (24) after defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
NHL: New York Islanders at Chicago Blackhawks
The Islanders extended their winning streak to four games with a 3-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks last night in Chi-town. They have now climbed out of last place and sit fifth in the Metropolitan division.
It was rough start from the Isles early. Staple fourth-line centerman Casey Cizikas put a puck on the Blackhawks net and continued hard into the right side. He clipped Blackhawks goaltender Alex Stalock, knocking him not only onto the ice but out of the game. Chicago’s backup goaltender Arvid Soderblom came in for the rest of the night. Zeeker was given a five minute major and a game misconduct, leaving his team down a forward for the remainder of the evening.
Things began to get chippy after the ejection of Cizikas later on in the first period as the Blackhawks returned the favor. Hawks’ forward Andreas Athanasiou cut hard to the net and barreled right into goaltender Ilya Sorokin. However, Athanasiou was only given a two minute minor for goaltender interference.
The Islanders did not score on the goaltender interference power play opportunity, but they did cash with 2:25 remaining in the first period. Kyle Palmeri rifled a shot to the net, Brock Nelson put the rebound back, and captain Anders Lee finished the job. He tucked the loose puck home behind Soderblom to notch his fifth goal of the season, giving the Islanders the 1-0 lead.
The blue and orange held the lead into the third period of play and then Brock Nelson put his speed on display. He went racing up the right side of the boards through the neutral zone and sniped one glove side past Soderblom. 2-0 Islanders.
Longtime Blackhawk, Jonathan Toews would later score on a power play opportunity with 9:41 remaining in the third. The game stayed tight down until the final fifteen seconds of the game. Zach Parise lofted a puck down from the defensive zone and into the empty net to seal the win.
The Islanders’ third best penalty kill in the league was sharp again last night. They not only killed off the five minute major from the first period, but went on to kill off 4 out of the 5 power play opportunities.
The Islanders will remain in the Midwest and take on the St. Louis Blues tomorrow at 8:00 PM.
