ELMONT, N.Y. — Ilya Sorokin is easily the Islanders’ most valuable player, the goalie again showing that with another highlight-reel paddle save in Tuesday night’s 7-2 win over the Maple Leafs at UBS Arena.
But it’s a team sport and the Islanders need contributions from up and down the lineup to maintain their hold on a playoff spot. Especially if top-six center Brock Nelson, who may have suffered a head injury, joins elite playmaker Mathew Barzal in missing games.
Sorokin made 23 saves but, playing one forward short, the Islanders (37-27-8) won their third straight with two goals from Cal Clutterbuck and one apiece from Hudson Fasching, Simon Holmstrom, Zach Parise, Anders Lee and defenseman Noah Dobson.
