Sorokin stops 37 as Islanders blank Devils 6-0 in home opener
Ilya Sorokin stopped 37 shots and Victor Eklund celebrated his 20th birthday with his first NHL goal in New York's 6-0 home-opening win.
What's newVictor Eklund scored his first NHL goal on his 20th birthday and received a post-game serenade from Islanders fans.
The New York Islanders won their home opener 6-0 against the New Jersey Devils at UBS Arena on Saturday, Oct. 3, with Ilya Sorokin stopping all 37 shots he faced.
Victor Eklund marked his 20th birthday with his first NHL goal and an assist. Named the game's first star, he heard the crowd sing "Happy Birthday" during his post-game interview. Brayden Schenn, Casey Cizikas and Simon Holmstrom also finished with two points apiece, while Matthew Schaefer supplied two assists. The victory left New York at 1-1-0.
All six goals came after a scoreless first period. Jean-Gabriel Pageau set up Holmstrom for the opener at 3:32 of the second. At 5:00, Schenn converted the puck after Eklund's bank attempt off the goalie's pad reached him in front of the net.
Bo Horvat put New York three goals ahead on a power play at 12:08, finishing Schaefer's pass with a one-timer from the right side.
Eklund scored at 11:32 of the third period on a setup from Calum Ritchie. Ondrej Palat added the fifth goal at 12:14 after receiving Cizikas' pass across the crease. Cizikas completed the scoring with a breakaway while the Islanders were short-handed at 18:41.
