Islanders podcast: Figuring out the goalie situation

In this week’s New York Islanders podcast we spoke heavily about the situation in net with a particular focus on Ilya Sorokin and Linus Soderstrom.

In 2014, the New York Islanders drafted two goalies. In the third round, they selected Russian shot-stopper, Ilya Sorokin. In the following round, they took Swedish goalie Linus Soderstrom. Now in 2020, both are making news for opposite reasons.

For Sorokin, his journey in Russia is over and is heading to the New York Islanders. He’s been allowed to sign a contract since his deal with CSKA Moscow expired on May 1, but there’s still no word on a deal. Why?

Should fans be worried? Matt and I discuss why you shouldn’t be.

For Soderstrom, the talk of late is how he might return to Europe to play in 2020-21. A move that I think would be a mistake. Going into 2020-21, the Islanders only have two goalies signed to NHL deals; Semyon Varlamov and Jakub Skarek. That’s it.

We talk about how if he stays, he’ll get a chance to get significant playing time. Even when Sorokin eventually signs his ELC.

You can play the podcast right here from this page. You can also download the podcast wherever you get your podcasts from.

What Else Did We Talk About?

• Mark Scheifele feels that Mathew Barzal could lead the league in scoring someday. Does he actually mean it or are those words from a player who’s just finding the highest praise possible for another player?
• In our weekly quiz, Matt tries to figure out what player was drafted twice by the Islanders. Hint, they drafted him originally in 1996 and then again in 1996. Do you know who it is?

Want your voice heard? Join the Eyes On Isles team!

Write for us!

You can get the Eyes on Isles podcast wherever podcasts are available such as iTunes, Spotify, or Spreaker.