The New York Islanders copped a season-high eight goals on Monday night, going down 8-3 to the Pittsburgh Penguins at UBS Arena.
Anders Lee (PPG), Mathew Barzal (1G, 1A), and Brayden Schenn put the Islanders ahead 3-1 in the second period, but the Penguins hit back 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 all found the back of the net for the Penguins, with Justin Brazeau providing three assists.
While this was the first time the Islanders conceded eight goals in a game since April 10, 2025, when they let nine in against the New York Rangers, it was the third time this season they have allowed seven goals in a match.
Ilya Sorokin, for the first time in his career, let in seven goals in a game, saving 21 of 28 shots before being substituted in the third period. David Rittich stopped two of three shots in relief, while Arturs Silovs made 20 saves out of 23 for the win.
“A loss is a loss,” said Lee. “Obviously, it’s not fair to our goaltenders that they had as many chances against as they did tonight, but we lost a big game tonight.”
It was a rough night for the Islanders, not just on the scoreboard but also in the standings, as they slipped to third place in the Metropolitan Division with 89 points. The Penguins, with 90 points, climbed back to second place. They still have a game in hand over the Islanders, as do the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are just one point behind (88 points) in the second Wild Card spot.
