Sorokin solid, Isles hold on, and more: 3 reasons why New York Islanders won 4-3 against Buffalo Sabres

The New York Islanders got back into the win column on Friday night, edging the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 at the KeyBank Center. The Isles got goals from Bo Horvat, Maxim Tsyplakov, JG Pageau, and a power play tally from Kyle Palmieri. Dylan Cozens, Jason Zucker and Owen Power scored for the Sabres.

The Islanders overcame the loss of two defensemen, Mike Rielly and Adam Pelech, both of whom left the game with injuries in the second period.

Let’s take a look at the three reasons why the New York Islanders defeated the Buffalo Sabres on Friday night.

3 reasons why New York Islanders defeated Buffalo Sabres

#3. The Isles closed out the game

The New York Islanders managed to hold on to the third-period lead, in contrast to other occasions where the Isles blew leads late in the game.

The Isles were clinging to a 4-2 lead when Owen Power scored on a rebound in the crease to make the game 4-3. The final two minutes were especially tense after Islanders’ captain Anders Lee missed an open net that would have made the game 5-2.

Instead, the Sabres scored, making the game tight down the stretch. Still, the Isles held on for the win, with Ilya Sorokin holding down the fort.

#2. Sorokin was solid in goal

Ilya Sorokin stopped 32 shots for the win. He was solid in goal, keeping the Isles ahead in the game. Sorokin was especially solid in the final five minutes as the Sabres poured on the pressure.

In particular, Sorokin held the fort after Zucker made the game 3-2. Sorokin bought the Isles enough time for JG Pageau to make the game 4-2. Sorokin had two good saves during the sequence that led to the Sabres’ third goal. Fortunately, the Isles managed to close out the game.

#1. The Islanders finally found their scoring touch

Much of the narrative surrounding the New York Islanders this season has been their lack of scoring. They entered Friday night’s game down top scorer Mathew Barzal and first-liner Anthony Duclair.

The make-shift top line of Lee, Horvat and Pageau combined for two goals. Then, the Isles' second line consisting of Maxim Tsyplakov, Kyle Palmieri, and Brock Nelson added the other two tallies. It’s worth pointing out that the Isles got a power play goal. That bodes well as the Islanders have one of the lowest-ranked power plays in the league.

The Isles will have a chance to rest on Saturday before facing the New York Rangers on Sunday night at Madison Square Garden.