In a stunning display of goaltending mastery, Ilya Sorokin of the New York Islanders single-handedly stole a victory from the jaws of the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The final score was a deceptive 1-0 for the visitors, completely belying the flow of play at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
A Goaltending Masterclass in Edmonton
The story of the night was written entirely by the Islanders' netminder. While the Oilers controlled the game and generated the vast majority of high-danger chances, Sorokin stood tall, turning aside every one of Edmonton's 21 Grade A scoring opportunities. The Oilers' frustration culminated in the final minute when Leon Draisaitl's last-ditch one-timer rang off the crossbar, sealing Sorokin's shutout and the Islanders' narrow win.
The statistical dominance of the home team was stark. Edmonton led in Grade A shots 21 to 12, with the most dangerous "5-alarm" chances favouring the Oilers nine to six. Despite this overwhelming territorial and chance advantage, the scoreboard remained blank for the men in orange and blue.
Oilers' Stars Shine But Can't Solve Sorokin
Connor McDavid was a force all night, earning a high grade for his dynamic play. He was flying, setting up Zach Hyman for a prime chance early, generating his own high-danger shots, and orchestrating the offense. His final act was the perfect setup for Draisaitl's crossbar strike. McDavid finished with a Grade A shots plus/minus of +9 at even strength.
Leon Draisaitl was equally impactful, passing and skating with purpose. He was involved in numerous scoring plays, including a clever low-to-high pass to set up defenseman Evan Bouchard for a 5-alarm chance in the third period, and was agonizingly close on a wrap-around attempt before his late misfortune.
Other Oilers found similar frustration. Kasperi Kapanen was dangerous throughout and was denied on a wicked slot shot by Sorokin. Vasily Podkolzin worked hard to create chances, while Matt Savoie hammered a point-blank rebound and another in-tight chance, all to no avail against the brick wall in the Islanders' crease.
Player Performance Highlights
The individual efforts, while ultimately unrewarded, were notable:
- Connor McDavid (8): Dominant speed and playmaking. EV Grade A +/-: +9/-2.
- Leon Draisaitl (8): Key play driver, hit crossbar late. EV Grade A +/-: +8/-1.
- Kasperi Kapanen (8): Consistently dangerous on the attack. EV Grade A +/-: +7/-0.
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (7): Involved in effective combo plays.
- Zach Hyman (6): Had quality chances but couldn't finish.
The Lone Goal That Stood Up
While the narrative rightly focuses on Sorokin's heroics and Edmonton's missed opportunities, the Islanders did manage the game's only goal. The solitary marker was enough to secure the two points, serving as a brutal reminder of hockey's sometimes cruel efficiency. For the Oilers, it was a night where superior process did not yield the desired result, thanks entirely to an opposing goaltender at the peak of his powers.
The loss, while frustrating, highlights a recurring theme in hockey: a world-class goaltender can be the great equalizer. On January 15, 2026, in Edmonton, Ilya Sorokin proved he is among the very best on the planet, delivering a performance that will be remembered as a classic goaltending duel won by the visitor.
