New York— On Friday, the New York Islanders secured a 5-1 victory against the Washington Capitals. Jean-Gabriel Pageau had two goals and two assists, along with two goals and an assist from Julien Gauthier.

Defensemen Noah Dobson also scored for Isles. Ilya Sorokin made 26 saves and the Islanders improved to 7-1-3 in their last 11 games at UBS arena.

“You saw the response to a bad game,” Islanders captain Anders Lee said. That was evident tonight and that was more indicative of who we’ve been of late. … Guys were working, guys were smart, we didn’t have as many turnovers. We played the game much better tonight and buried our chances.”

Pageau unleashed a one-timer, marking his third goal of the season and started the scoring at 4:51. Gauthier intercepted a pass in the defensive zone, spearheading the rush into Capitals territory before delivering the puck to defenseman Alexander Romanov, who scored on the one-timer.

Pageau got his second goal, then Gauthier scored twice within 17 seconds in the middle of the third period to give the Islanders a 4-0 lead. Then at 14:26 in the third Pageau smacked a wrist shot past Kuemper’s glove, making the Islanders’ lead to 5-0.

At 6:01 in the second period, Dobson grabbed a two-goal lead for the Islanders, with of a powerful slap shot. Barzal entered the Capitals’ zone, executing a precise drop pass to assist Dobson, with Horvat contributing as well.

“You got a 2-0 game going into the third period, that next goal is huge,” Islanders forward Matt Martin said. “It was a big period especially by Pageau and Gauthier and their line. … You wouldn’t want to make a mistake to allow the other team back into the game, you want to make them earn it. I thought we did a good job of locking them down tonight.”

Aube-Kubel spoiled Sorokin’s shutout with a goal in the final minute of the third period.

Islanders Bring Pond Hockey To Belmont Park

Before the game, the Islanders revealed two public pond hockey rinks at Belmont Park near the UBS arena. These rinks are set to host various programs like 4-on-4 hockey tournaments, “Learn to Skate,” “Learn to Play,” and “Try Hockey for Free” on synthetic ice. The area also features amenities such as small fire pits, heated igloos, carnival games, and food trucks for added enjoyment.

NY Islanders Full Video Recap

Up next the Isles look for redemption on the road at Pittsburgh Sunday, against the Penguins.

For all the latest NHL and New York Islanders news follow @vinquezada1 on X.

#NHL #ALLCAPS #Isles

By Vincent Quezada

Photo Credit: AP/ Scott Charles