Ilya Sorokin allowed three targets on the primary 9 pictures he confronted behind a sloppy protection, and the New York Islanders’ playoff hopes took a big hit with a 5-2 loss to the Washington Capitals on Monday night time.
The Islanders wanted solely to win out towards opponents out of competition to return to then postseason after a one-year absence. After an uninspired effort that lacked the depth and urgency the scenario warranted, they’ll need assistance to safe one of many two wild playing cards within the Eastern Conference with only one sport left to play.
New York trails Florida by one level within the standings after the Panthers misplaced in additional time to Toronto on a objective by former Islanders captain John Tavares. Pittsburgh is one level again however has two video games left towards the 2 worst groups within the NHL, Tuesday towards Chicago and Thursday at Columbus, whereas the Panthers have one remaining.
Sorokin allowed targets to Dylan Strome, Rasmus Sandin and Craig Smith within the first 13-plus minutes of the sport, however the Vezina Trophy candidate for the league’s prime goaltender was removed from the most important drawback for the Islanders and settled in to make 20 saves. Skaters in entrance of him misplaced Strome on his first objective and turned the puck over a number of instances to offer the Capitals high quality scoring possibilities.
Washington was in a giving temper, too, taking part in out the string after an eight-year playoff streak got here to an finish, however Darcy Kuemper repeatedly turned apart pictures from point-blank vary after some inexplicable turnovers. He allowed late targets to Hudson Fasching and Casey Cizikas within the closing six minutes and completed with 38 saves.
Despite lacking Alex Ovechkin and T.J. Oshie and taking part in a skater quick with 17 for a 3rd consecutive sport, the Capitals snapped their dropping streak at six and handed New York a 3rd loss previously 5. Strome and Tom Wilson every scored an empty-netter, with Strome setting a profession excessive with 23 targets.
UP NEXT
Islanders: Host the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night time of their regular-season finale.
Capitals: Visit the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night time, hoping to maintain the NHL’s finest staff from setting the document for many factors in a season.
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