Islanders Morning Skate: Sorokin Starts vs. Devils, Catching Up With Cal Ritchie
After a dominant win at MSG, the Islanders face a red-hot Devils team unbeaten at home as Ilya Sorokin gets the start in Newark.
NEWARK, NJ — After a thrashing of their in-state rivals to open their season-long road trip, the New York Islanders (7-6-2) head to the Garden State for their first matchup against the New Jersey Devils (11-4-0).
Puck drop at Prudential Center is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., and the game can be found on MSGSN2.
The Islanders won the season series against the Devils last year, going 2-0-1 against their Tri-State adversary. Most recently, New York picked up a 1-0 shutout win on April 13, with Ilya Sorokin pitching a 25-save clean sheet.
GAMEDAY UPDATES
Goaltending: Sorokin (4-4-2, 3.00 GAA, .893 SV%) will be in net for the Islanders, coming off a 33-save shutout against the New York Rangers.
ISLANDERS NOTES
Bo Horvat had the Islanders’ lone goal in their last meeting with the Devils. His 11 goals lead the team and are tied for the third-most in the NHL. After a two-goal performance against the Rangers, he enters tonight with a five-game point streak (5 G, 2 A).
Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Jonathan Drouin each recorded three points (1 G, 2 A) against the Rangers.
Emil Heineman (1 G, 2 A) and Mathew Barzal (3 A) each carry three-game point streaks into tonight.
Anders Lee leads all Islanders in career production versus New Jersey, posting 15 goals and 26 points in 43 games.
Barzal has 19 assists in 29 career matchups with the Devils.
Sorokin owns an 8-5-2 record with a 2.66 GAA and .914 SV% in 15 career meetings versus New Jersey.
DEVILS NOTES
The Devils last played Saturday, earning a 2-1 shootout win over the Penguins. Arseny Gritsyuk scored the lone goal in regulation, and Jesper Bratt buried the winner in the skills competition.
Jake Allen made 33 saves in that victory.
New Jersey has been unbeaten at Prudential Center (7-0-0), one of just three NHL clubs with at least seven home wins.
Jack Hughes leads the team with 18 points (10 G, 8 A), while Dawson Mercer has 15 points (8 G, 7 A) through 15 games.
Hughes also leads the Devils in career goals against the Islanders (11 in 19 games).
Dougie Hamilton has 18 assists and 22 points in 29 games against New York, pacing the Devils in both categories.
Jacob Markstrom (4-2-0, 3.95 GAA, .871 SV%) will start for New Jersey. He is 8-5-2 (2.83 GAA, .907 SV%) lifetime vs. the Isles, allowing just one goal on 23 shots in their most recent meeting.
Q & A: Calum Ritchie On Staying Patient And Trusting His Game
Stefen Rosner: Patrick mentioned wanting a bit more from you offensively after being moved to the fourth line. What’s been his message to you?
Calum Ritchie: “We’ve talked a bit just about structure and stuff. Obviously, I feel like I’m playing good structure, playing good defensively — not giving up many chances — but at the same time, I haven’t been really producing a ton of chances in our game. So for me, it’s about continuing to work on that, getting some more chances, some more looks. At times last game, I thought we created some good looks and good momentum, so I’m happy with where it’s at — just trying to get better every day.”
Rosner: For you, is it more about taking the shot yourself or setting things up? What are you trying to create in those sequences?
Ritchie: “I think just protecting the puck and holding onto pucks more — that’s probably the biggest thing. Then stuff’s going to start to open up. We’ve been a couple of one-pass-short plays away from goals, so it’s coming for sure. I’ve just got to keep working.”
Rosner: Is the lack of offense weighing on you at all? You’re known for your offensive instincts, but you’ve also shown that defensive reliability. Is that a mental battle?
Ritchie: “Yeah, not too much. My biggest thing is just trying to help the team in any way. You’ve got to bring something to the table if you’re not bringing offense, and I think I’m playing a good two-way game. If I’m good defensively and not giving up many chances, even if I’m not creating a lot either, that’s not the worst thing. Obviously, I want to generate more, but if I’m not giving much against, that’s good — defense comes first, and I know the offensive stuff will come.”