Islanders trounce Sharks to solidify playoff position

Islanders trounce Sharks to solidify playoff position

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Jean-Gabriel Pageau had a goal and an assist, Ilya Sorokin stopped 29 shots for his 25th win of the season, and the New York Islanders beat the San Jose Sharks 4-1 Saturday night.

Kyle Palmieri, Ryan Pulock, and Zach Parise also scored for the Islanders. Pierre Engvall extended his point streak to four games with an assist on Pulock’s goal.

Kevin Labanc scored his 12th goal of the season for the Sharks and Kaapo Kahkonen made 29 saves in his 17th loss of the season.

Labanc gave the Sharks the lead 7:31 into the first period beating Sorokin over the blocker for a nice bar-down goal.

Pageau got his 12th of the season with a short-handed tally to tie it with 3:52 left in the first. He beat San Jose defenseman Erik Karlsson to the front of the net and cut to his forehand to beat Kahkonen.

Palmieri gave the Islanders a 2-1 lead at 2:18 of the second with a nice deflection of Scott Mayfield’s shot from the point. It was Palmieri’s 12th.


Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who had a goal and an assist, takes a shot on goalie Kaapo Kahkonen during the Islanders' 4-1 win over the Sharks.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who had a goal and an assist, takes a shot on goalie Kaapo Kahkonen during the Islanders’ 4-1 win over the Sharks.USA TODAY Sports

The Islanders capitalized on their fourth power play of the night when Pulock took a one-timer after the puck came off the boards and beat the Kahkonen high far side at 5:24 of the middle period. It was Pulock’s fourth.

Parise deflected Alexander Romanov’s shot at 5:19 of the third. Parise now has 18 goals this season.


Ilya Sorokin, who made 29 saves, sprays water on his face during the Islanders' 4-1 win over the Sharks.
Ilya Sorokin, who made 29 saves, sprays water on his face during the Islanders’ 4-1 win over the Sharks.NHLI via Getty Images

Sharks goalie James Reimer declined to participate in warm-ups as San Jose hosted its annual pride night. Reimer and the Sharks released statements regarding the goalie’s decision not to wear the rainbow pride warm-up jersey.

“In this specific instance, I am choosing not to endorse something that is counter to my personal convictions, which are based on The Bible, the highest authority in my life,” Reimer’s statement read.

The San Jose Sharks stated that they will continue to support the LGBTQIA+ community but accepts the right for every player to express their beliefs.