Islanders Beat Coyotes 1-0 Ilya Sorokin [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/ilya-sorokin-new-york-islanders-extension-anders-lee-scott-mayfield] is proving to be quite The Barber of Elmont. Since opening his Tonsorial Parlor -- alias Barber Shop -- at UBS Arena on Saturday night, the Redoubtable Russian has produced two close shaves. The best of the pair of blade beauties was on display at home last night, with a 1-0 victory over Arizona. Matt Barzal [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/mathew-barzal-new-york-islanders-bo-horvat-center-wing-production] thought the 14-save performance was worthy of a tip, so Matty chipped in a power play -- yes, Power Play! -- goal before leaving the hair-cutter. Truth be told, The Maven's analytic machine produced a slightly different tale of the tape. The Isles showered Coyotes goalie Karel Vajmelka with 33 shots which -- by way of thinking -- should have been worth at least another goal or two. But why quibble, the Isles could save a few red lights when they close the home stand against the New Jersey Devils. So, all things considered, there was a lot to like, and here are a few "for instances." 1. Power Play. Aching like a sore tooth last season, the PP was a rare Barzal knuckler that crossed the goal line early in the second period. Barzy called it "lucky," The Maven calls it timely. 2. Vezina Bound: Some would say the Sorokin had it easy. Nay, nay, I say. It's often tougher on goalkeepers when they face fewer shots than many. 3. Pinch-hitter Delivers: With Scott Mayfield out with injury, young Samuel Bolduc moved in alongside Sebastian Aho and impressed coach Lane Lambert who said: "I saw him move pucks, get pucks to the net and make good outlet passes." 4. Typical Islanders Hockey: With the accent always on defense, the Isles displayed the kind of game that produces wins; albeit tight ones. "We're always going to be pretty solid defensively the way our system is," said Barzal. 5. Maven analytics to Like: When a team like New York can limit a foe to three shots in the first period and four in the second while being generous with seven in the third, chances are you're gonna wind up with two points at the end. 6. Quote Of The Night: Barzy, The Great Philosopher, opined: "If we're holding teams to 14 shots with Sorokin or Varly in net, we're probably going to be alright." And that's all right with me! Stefen Rosner: I'll have a follow-up to this story around 10 a.m. ET, followed by an exclusive interview with prospect Ruslan Iskhakov at 12ish. I'm planning on doing an evening piece on Aho's ability to rise to the occasion in Scott Mayfield's absence, so stay tuned for that.
