Takeaways: Eklund, Sorokin Lead Isles to 6-0 Shutout Over Devils

The New York Islanders home opener had a little bit of everything.

A 37-save shutout for Ilya Sorokin, a first goal for Victor Eklund followed by a birthday singalong for 20-year-old Swede.

It all added up to a commanding 6-0 win over the New Jersey Devils.

“Just getting the first one in your belt, especially at home and in a big way like that, definitely feels great,” Bo Horvat said. "There are so many guys that stepped up tonight. Feels good to get the first one.”  

Simon Holmström (1G, 1A), Brayden Schenn (1G, 1A), Bo Horvat, Victor Eklund (1G, 1A), Ondrej Palát and Casey Cizikas (1G, 1A) all recorded goals for the Isles. Ilya Sorokin stopped all 37 shots he faced for his 30^th career shutout.

The Islanders are now 1-1-0 on the season.

New Lines Spark Isles

Head Coach Pete DeBoer was looking to unlock offensive momentum with new-look lines, and the Islanders did just that with a 6-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, Oct. 3 in their home opener. 

Three of the Islanders four lines got on the board, as did the power play, as the offense clicked into place after a slow start on Wednesday.

Emil Heineman was moved to the top line, while Simon Holmström and JG Pageau reunited on a line with Anthony Duclair. Brayden Schenn skated with the Isles' youngest pair of forwards, Victor Eklund and Cal Ritchie.

Longtime linemates and penalty kill partners, Holmström and Pageau  got the scoring started at 3:32 in the second period as he delivered a silky-smooth pass to Holmström for the first goal of the evening.

"It was fun," Holmström said on skating on a line with Pageau again. "It was always fun to skate with him and play with him out there."

Ritchie's line looked strong as well. Brayden Schenn, who has played the most career games of any current Islander, and the Isles youngest forward, Eklund connected for the Isles second goal of the day. Eklund used his shiftiness to grab the rebound off Matthew Schaefer's shot and find Schenn.

Ritchie chipped in on Eklund's first-career goal, finding Eklund in front of the net where the Swede got a quick shot off. It was the perfect birthday present for Eklund who was serendated by the crowd.

DeBoer has been impressed with what he has seen so far out of Eklund.

"He's got real good attention to detail for a young player," DeBoer said. "[It's] pretty rare to have that. I know the offense is there, and you know that's going to grow as he gets older and stronger, and gets more minutes, and all those things. But to have that foundation that you can play him and not have to worry about getting him off the ice against Jack Hughes tonight, it's important."

Getting offensive contributions from every line, has been something that DeBoer has been stressing this season. The Isles got an even strength goal from Palat and a shorthanded goal from Cizikas.

After a few good looks early, including a one-timer earlier in the third, Ondrej Palát was able to finally cash in on a pass from Casey Cizikas. Cizikas then found the back of the net with under two minutes left to play.

"I thought that line [Casey Cizikas'] was excellent tonight," DeBoer said. "I talked right from day one that we need depth scoring, and Palát scored, Cizikas scored. I thought Maccelli made some really good plays. That's how we're going to win games. We're going to have to get contributions from all four lines."

Big Birthday Moment

The UBS Arena crowd erupted for Eklund’s first goal and later sang "Happy Birthday" to the young Swede on his 20^th birthday. The heartfelt moment brought tears to his eyes.

"It's unbelievable," Eklund said on the fan reaction. "Best fans. I don't know. I can't describe [it] in words. [I'm] just so happy."

Eklund's mom was in attendance for the young forwards big two-point night.

"I love my mom, she's the best," Eklund said. "I thank her for being here."

The team and DeBoer were all excited to celebrate Eklund's first goal.

"He's a special kid," DeBoer said. "He's got a great personality, and the guys in the room have really embraced him as a big part of our group, so those moments are special. They're nice to see, that true elation on his face, of a young player that's worked his whole life to make the NHL and scores in the home opener. That's the stuff you don't take that for granted, having a front row seat for that as a coach."

It will be a birthday to remember for the young Swede.

"It feels amazing," Eklund said on scoring his first goal. "It couldn't do it on a better day."

History for Horvat

Bo Horvat's goal was his 200^th point and 100^th goal as an Islander across 262 games. Horvat became the ninth-fastest Islander to record 100 points as an Islander and sixth quickest to tally 200 points.

Next Game

The Islanders face off against the New York Rangers on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Madison Square Garden.