Sorokin, for all the worry about his physical health and how the way last season ended might have affected him mentally, looked just fine from the first shot of the night — a Nathan MacKinnon

On Thursday, the Dallas Stars announced they had signed 25-year-old netminder Jake Oettinger to an eight-year extension worth $8.25 million. That deal, which kicks in next season, is exactly what Ilya Sorokin got from the New York Islanders on July 1, 2023. Sorokin is in the first year of that deal.

The Islanders are coming home with any lingering questions about franchise goalie Ilya Sorokin and his offseason back surgery apparently answered. He and Blues’ counterpart Joel Hofer were the centerpieces in a classic goalies’ duel as the teams had skating space but had trouble scoring.

The St. Louis Blues defeated the New York Islanders 1-0 in overtime on Thursday night. Forward Jake Neighbours netted the lone goal 2:04 into the extra period, while Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin stopped 29 of 30 shots.

Blues winger Jake Neighbors scored 2:04 into overtime to hand the New York Islanders a 1-0 loss in St. Louis, concluding the Isles’ road trip at 1-1-1. The 0-0 regulation score masks what was actually a scoring chance-heavy game with Ilya Sorokin (29 saves) and Joel Hofer (34 saves) each shining in their creases.