Islanders Defeat Blue Jackets 1-0 Behind Sorokin's Shutout

Ilya Sorokin makes 26 saves for his league-leading 7th shutout of the season

Mar. 23, 2026 at 2:55am

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Ilya Sorokin made 26 saves to record his league-leading 7th shutout of the season, and Bo Horvat's first-period goal stood up as the only score in the Islanders' 1-0 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The victory puts the Islanders back into playoff position, if only temporarily, in the second wild card spot.

Why it matters

The Islanders were missing key defenseman Ryan Pulock, but Sorokin's stellar goaltending and a disciplined defensive effort allowed them to grind out a crucial two points against a surging Blue Jackets team. This win keeps the Islanders in the playoff hunt as they continue a home-heavy schedule to finish the season.

The details

Horvat scored the game's lone goal just 1:25 into the first period, taking a pass from Anders Lee and beating Blue Jackets goalie Jet Greaves. The Islanders had a potential insurance goal by Lee disallowed after a coach's challenge, but they were able to protect the 1-0 lead behind Sorokin's 26 saves. The Islanders went 0-for-3 on the power play, while the Blue Jackets did not receive any power play opportunities.

  • Horvat scored the game-winning goal at 1:25 of the first period.
  • The Islanders' potential insurance goal by Anders Lee was disallowed after a coach's challenge in the third period.

The players

Ilya Sorokin

The Islanders' starting goaltender, who recorded his league-leading 7th shutout of the season and 29th of his career, tying a franchise record.

Bo Horvat

The Islanders' forward who scored the game-winning goal in the first period.

Anders Lee

The Islanders' captain, who had a goal disallowed in the third period after a coach's challenge.

Jet Greaves

The Blue Jackets' goaltender, who made 25 saves in the loss.

Ryan Pulock

The Islanders' defenseman who was out of the lineup due to injury.

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What’s next

The Islanders continue a home-heavy schedule to finish the season, with a crucial matchup against the Blackhawks on Tuesday.

The takeaway

Ilya Sorokin's stellar goaltending and the Islanders' disciplined defensive effort allowed them to grind out a crucial win against a surging Blue Jackets team, keeping the Islanders in the playoff hunt as they look to secure a postseason berth.