Eyes On Isles
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Islanders five feel-good moments from the 2019-20 season

ByMichel Anderson|
ELMONT, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 23: A ceremonial shovel used for the groundbreaking of the New York Islanders new hockey arena is shown at Belmont Park on September 23, 2019 in Elmont, New York. The $1.3 billion facility, which will seat 19,000 and include shops, restaurants and a hotel, is expected to be completed in time for the 2021-2022 hockey season. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
ELMONT, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 23: A ceremonial shovel used for the groundbreaking of the New York Islanders new hockey arena is shown at Belmont Park on September 23, 2019 in Elmont, New York. The $1.3 billion facility, which will seat 19,000 and include shops, restaurants and a hotel, is expected to be completed in time for the 2021-2022 hockey season. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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New York Islanders
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JANUARY 08: Ilya Sorokin #90 of the CSKA looks on against the Dynamo Moscow at the Arena VTB Moscow on January 8, 2020 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Anna Sergeeva/ Getty Images)

Ilya Sorokin

Ilya Sorokin is on his way to the Isles. On Sunday, April 12, we found out that the Russian goalie would not be signing an extension with CSKA Moscow and would be taking his talents to the NHL.

The New York Islanders third-round pick from 2014 would finally be coming into the fold.

Widely seen as one of, if not the best goalie outside of the NHL, Ilya Sorokin could be that starter the New York Islanders have been looking to get since Rick DiPietro was the starter between 2003-04 and 2007-08.

While it’s obviously too early to tell what Sorokin could be in the NHL, his KHL numbers certainly indicate that he’s quite capable of being a solid shot-stopper.

Over 244 games in the KHL, Sorokin averaged a 0.930SV% and a 1.70 GAA. In the playoffs, he’s even better with a ridiculous 0.940SV% and a 1.37GAA.

His technical ability mixed with his incredible talent make him a formidable presence in the net. Something the Islanders haven’t had for quite some time.

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Why is this a feel-good story?

Much like Belmont, getting Sorokin is a huge win for the future of the Islanders franchise. Sure, there’s some uncertainty around what he’ll be when he gets to the NHL. But for now, it seems that Sorokin has all the potential to be an elite level starter in the NHL and that’s good enough to feel good about the future of the team.

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