"At times during last night's matchup between the NY Islanders and the Edmonton Oilers, it looked as if the Isles were chasing the Oilers through extended shifts over and over. But despite the Oilers' superstars controlling the puck, the Isles stood tall defensively and had a brick wall in net. The Isles have fared well against opposing superstars this season, especially two who are widely considered the top two forwards in the league, in Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon."
"Faring well against both superstars, the Islanders have also been streak killers against both. McDavid was riding a 20-game point streak into last night, totalling 47 points (19 G, 27 A) before Sorokin's shutout. Before the first matchup between the Isles and Avs on Nov. 16, MacKinnon had points in 11 straight, registering 23 points (11 G, 12 A) before snapping his streak in a 4-1 Avs victory."
"With Sorokin starting three times and Rittich once in mid-October against the Oilers, the Isles' netminders have stepped up in a big way while also receiving stellar defensive performances from the players in front of goal. Though scoring has been at a premium for the Islanders of late, Sorokin and Rittich are giving them a chance to win every night. According to MoneyPuck, Sorokin and Rittich rank first and third, respectively, across the league in goals saved above expected."
The Islanders limited elite opposing forwards through staunch defensive play and outstanding goaltending, often facing extended opponent possession yet preventing goals. The team has contained Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon across multiple meetings, conceding only a single point combined to both in two games. The Islanders snapped McDavid's 20-game point streak and halted MacKinnon's 11-game run in separate matchups. Ilya Sorokin and David Rittich have delivered key performances while the skaters in front have provided tight defense. Advanced metrics show Sorokin and Rittich among the league leaders in goals saved above expected, boosting playoff confidence.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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