The New York Islanders suffered a tough 8-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins at UBS Arena on Monday night, allowing a season-high eight goals.
Anders Lee (PPG), Mathew Barzal (1G, 1A), and Brayden Schenn gave the Islanders a 3-1 lead in the second period, but the Penguins rallied with seven unanswered goals, including five in the second period.
Anthony Mantha (2G, 1A), Rickard Rakell (2G), Elmer Soderblom, Ryan Shea, Avery Hayes, and Bryan Rust found the back of the net for the Penguins, while Justin Brazeau contributed three assists.
This was the first time the Islanders had allowed eight goals in a game since 2025 and the third time this season they had given up seven goals in a game.
Goalie Ilya Sorokin allowed seven goals for the first time in his career, stopping 21 of 28 shots before being pulled in the third period. David Rittich and Arturs Silovs also saw playing time in relief.
“A loss is a loss,” Lee commented. “Obviously, it’s tough for our goaltenders to face that many chances, but we lost an important game tonight.”
The Islanders dropped to third place in the Metropolitan Division with 89 points, while the Penguins climbed back to second place with 90 points. The Penguins still have a game in hand over the Islanders, as do the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are one point behind in the second Wild Card spot.
