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

Ilya Sorokin was a key factor in the New York Islanders' victory over the San Jose Sharks, and HC Patrick Roy knows how important he is during this stretch of the NHL season.

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.