New York Islanders: Ilya Sorokin With Save Of The Year

New York Islanders goalie prospect Ilya Sorokin has put on a clinic in the KHL. Last night he had arguably the save of the year.

Ilya Sorokin, known as the white whale to some, was the New York Islanders third round pick in the 2014 NHL Draft. Since being selected by the Islanders, Sorokin has been extremely impressive in the KHL.

Sorokin started playing in the KHL as a 17-year-old in the 2012-2013 season and his play the following year gave him some positive draft status, but it was his play in 2015-2016 that got Islanders fans excited about Sorokin.

That year, he had a 1.06 goals against average and a .953 save percentage. Both of those numbers are closer to video game stats than real life. He’s been very good ever since, but this year again his play has stood out.

In 24 starts, he has six shutouts, a .943 save percentage and a 1.18 goals against average. The guy is an absolute animal between the pipes.

Last night, playing for CSKA Moscow Ilya put on an absolute show which included, quite possible, the best save of the year at any level:

Sorokin is moving from left to right as he provides a kick save. The rebound heads right back to an opponent and there’s a pass to a wide-open skater with a tap-in goal, or so they thought. Sorokin goes behind the back with a stick save to somehow poke the puck away.

After you pick your jaw off the floor we have to talk more about getting this guy to the Islanders. Yes, we know in all likelihood that he won’t be bought out of his KHL contract, but his deal expires after next season.

After the 2019-2020 season, Sorokin is allowed to sign with the Islanders and come over to play with the big club if he’s able to.

Now, it seemed like he wanted no part of playing for Garth Snow, who could blame him, but Lou Lamoriello, Barry Trotz, and Mitch Korn are a trio that can pry the super-star caliber KHL goalie out of Russia and to the Island.

It’s not a guarantee but one has to feel more confident with Trotz and Lamoriello in the fold now than they did with Snow leading the recruiting process.