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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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