Follow usIlya Sorokin let three goals on the first nine shots he faced behind a sloppy defense, and the New York Islanders’ playoff hopes took a significant hit with a 2-5 loss to the Washington Capitals on Monday night.
The Islanders needed the win in order to return to then postseason after a one-year absence. After the defeat they’ll need help to secure one of the two wild cards in the Eastern Conference with just one game left to play.
New York trails Florida by one point in the standings after the Panthers lost in overtime to Toronto. Pittsburgh is one point back but has two games left against the two worst teams in the NHL, Tuesday against Chicago and Thursday at Columbus, while the Panthers have one remaining.
Dylan Strome, Rasmus Sandin and Craig Smith scored in the first 13-plus minutes of the game, but Sorokin settled in to make the amazing 20 saves.
Barzal notches in 2nd OT as Islanders defeat Hurricanes 3-2 
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Rangers defeat Capitals 4-3 in New York for 2-0 series lead 
