The Islanders’ first game without Brock Nelson proved just how pivotal Ilya Sorokin will be for their playoff push.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau had a goal and two assists, Ilya Sorokin stopped 38 shots and the New York Islanders beat the San Jose Sharks 4-2.

Ilya Sorokin was the last Islander to touch the puck before the Predators' Steven Stamkos misfired on a pass that went the length of the ice into the empty net.

ELMONT, N.Y. -- Ilya Sorokin was credited with the 20th goalie goal in NHL history and the New York Islanders defeated the Nashville Predators 7-4 at UBS Arena on Saturday.

NHL All-Star Skills Competition, Ilya Sorokin had to shoot pucks all the way down the ice in an attempt to score. He performed pitifully, leading Igor Shesterkin — his partner in the competition and best friend — to joke that he should have been the one shooting pucks.

Sorokin stopped 23 shots. He made a save right before Steven Stamkos’ errant pass went into Nashville’s empty net with 12 seconds left.

So holding on for a 2-1 victory over the Bruins on Thursday night at TD Garden and snapping a four-game losing streak — thanks to goalie Ilya Sorokin’s bounce-back performance — was a step toward keeping their faint playoff hopes alive.