Islanders: Ilya Sorokin surprisingly starts third versus Boston

In the final game of the season, the New York Islanders were forced into a goalie change heading into the third period. Semyon Varlamov, who started the game was not out for the final period. Ilya Sorokin took his place.

Varlamov seemed to have an issue after the horn went at the end of the second period. Varlamov went to the bench to speak with the Islanders training coach. That interaction was only spotted after Varly didn’t hit the ice for the final period.

Thankfully, the Islanders have a capable “backup” to pick up after Varly.

New York Islanders Semyon Varlamov might be injured

There’s no official word from the Islanders if Varlamov was injured or if there was something else to the decision to have Sorokin start the third.

Varly would easily be the Islanders starter through the playoffs so the concern isn’t just for this game but going forward. With the way, Varlamov has played through the regular season, and in last year’s playoffs losing the Russian goalie would normally be a huge loss.

But the Islanders have a pretty good “backup” goalie.

Taking Varlamov’s spot is Ilya Sorokin. The 25-year-old goalie has 21 games to his name this year with a 13-6-2 record and is averaging a 2.16GAA and 0.918SV%. Oh and three shutouts.

He’s untested when it comes to NHL playoffs, but at the KHL level, Sorokin has a 50-17 record and averaged a 0.940SV% and 1.37GAA. I know, the KHL isn’t the same as the NHL, but when the pressure mounts this kid seems to rise to the occasion.

With all that being said, there might not be an issue at all. The playoffs might not start until May 15 or 16. That gives Varlamov five to six days to sort out any kinks he’s got before the postseason is set to start.