The New Jersey Devils beat the New York Islanders last night, 4-2, in a preseason game at UBS Arena. The win meant the Devils took both games against the Islanders this preseason. That said, preseason scores do not matter much, and some good things happened last night for the Islanders against the Devils.
First, the Islanders got some good work from their star Goaltender, Ilya Sorokin. Second, first No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer picked up his second point of the preseason. Third, troubled Islanders’ star Anthony Duclair scored in this game against the Devils. It would be great for the Islanders if he made an offensive contribution this year. Do you think Schafer will make the Islanders?
Devils-Islanders Summary
The Islanders did better in this game against the Devils in terms of starting players with NHL experience. More than half of their lineup for this game was comprised of such players. There was a difference in this game, a 4-2 loss, and the one a few days ago, a 6-2 loss.
Here is the scoring summary of the 4-2 loss. In the first period, Luke Glendening scored, and the Devils led 1-0. In the second period, Marc Gatcomb scored for the Islanders to tie the game at 1. In the third period, Nathan Legare scored for the Devils, and the Devils led 2-1. Then the Devils extended their lead to 3-1 when Arseny Gritsyuk scored for them. Duclair answered for the Islanders to draw them to within 1, 3-2. However, Angus Crookshank scored an empty net goal to seal the Devils’ victory at 4-2.
Ilya Sorokin
For the first time in this preseason, Sorokin started in goal for the Islanders. Sorokin is one of the best goaltenders in the National Hockey League. Sorokin played pretty well last night. He saved 23 of 26 shots and played the entire game. It was good that the Islanders acquired him, but he needs to improve if the Islanders are to contend this year.
One thing to watch is that Sorokin’s backup, Semyon Varlamov, has been injured for several months. There is a chance he will never play again for the Islanders. They need to be careful not to tire Sorokin; that is why the backup goalie competition between David Rittach and Marcus Hogberg is so important.
Matthew Schaefer
Important for the Islanders last night against the Devils is that Schaefer picked up his second assist in three preseason games. His scoring prowess has never been in doubt, but it is good to see him scoring. If he could play for the Islanders this year, he would fill a big gap. He is getting valuable playing experience in this preseason.
Anthony Duclair
Lastly, with just moments left in the game, Duclair scored a goal for the Islanders. Duclair injured his groin in the fifth game of last season, came back too soon, and was ineffective. He was so bad after he rushed back that Islanders’ Head Coach, Patrick Roy (who coached Duclair in youth hockey) called Duclair out for his poor play at the end of last season. The Islanders and Roy needed Duclair to score about 30 goals last season. He fell far short of that. He scored his first preseason goal for the Islanders last night. It would be good for the Islanders if Duclair plays well this season.
Conclusion
The Islanders will have to take moral victories from their games this season, and the 4-2 loss to the Devils last night at home in the preseason is an example of that. They need to be happy with Sorokin. They also have to be pleased with Schaefer, who scored his second point in three preseason games. Finally, Duclair scored. He has been troubled and injured.
