Nedeljkovic, the expected backup when healthy, shared a net with 22-year-old prospect Joel Blomqvist. He signed a two-year, $5 million contract ($2.5 million average annual value) to stay in Pittsburgh on June 20 after starting 12 of the final 13 games last season.

MacLean, who was entering his first full NHL season after bursting onto the scene in the second half of 2023-24 campaign, only won 42.5 percent of his draws through his first 32 NHL games. He won 17 of 30 postseason draws, which also came out to 42.5 percent.

A night that was about the two goalies the Islanders have invested their hopes in ended in triumph for both. A victory for Patrick Roy in his return to Colorado. A victory for Ilya Sorokin in his return to the crease.