NHL Scores: Capitals finally beat Penguins, Islanders’ Ilya Sorokin earns first win with shutout over Sabres, and more
Anthony Scultore
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There were five games on the docket last night with three of them being East Division contests. It took Washington five tries but they finally came up with a win against Pittsburgh.
NHL Scores: Capitals earn 3-1 win over Penguins
Jakub Vrana has scored two goals since coming off the COVID list and his tally last night proved to be the winner. The Capitals (7-4-3) had not beaten the Penguins (7-6-1) dating back to last season and came in on a four game losing streak. They got a solid performance defensively and sound goaltending from Vitek Vanecek who turned aside 26 of 27 shots.
“It’s not fun losing. It’s fun winning,” the 25 year-old goalie said. “I was just focusing, focusing every time and trying to do the best for the team. They helped me a lot today and we won.”
NHL Scores: Ilya Sorokin earns first win with a shutout
When the Islanders drafted Ilya Sorokin many felt he would immediately take over as the #1 goalie. That has not happened as he’s only played in four games while Semyon Varlamov has owned the net.
Last night, Sorokin earned his first NHL win stopping all 20 shots he faced as the Islanders (8-4-3) defeated the Sabres (4-6-2) 3-0. Anders Lee scored twice (goals 6 and 7) to help the cause, but it was the kid’s night.
“I feel good,” the winning net minder said. “I stayed in the game and players helped me. When you play, play, play, play, you will feel better every day. And of course I feel better than I [felt] one month ago.”
NHL Scores: Devils return from COVID delay with big win
The Devils (5-3-2) hadn’t played a game in 16 days and came out full of fire to defeat the Rangers (4-7-3) soundly 5-2. It was not a good show for the boys from Broadway as they came out with little determination. By the time they tried to get going they were playing catch up hockey before it all imploded in the third period.
“For the majority of the game they outhit us, outskated us, outworked us, won more battles,” a frustrated Chris Kreider of the Rangers explained. “They flat-out wanted it more. It’s unacceptable.”
In other action, Nathan MacKinnon scored and the Avalanche (8-4-1) were able to beat the Golden Knights (10-3-1) 3-2. And finally, the Kings (5-6-3) shut out the Wild (6-6) by a 4-0 score. Jonathan Quick stopped all 28 shots he faced for the win even as trade rumors continue.