Hogberg Shines Again: Islanders Goalie Wins Over Teammates with Stellar Performance

It's a small sample size, but goaltender Marcus Hogberg has been nothing short of spectacular in net for the New York Islanders and is winning over his coach and teammates.

The 30-year-old Swede, made his third start in four nights on Saturday night and stopped 18 shots in the team's 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks on Brent Sutter night at UBS Arena. Hogberg lowered his GAA to 1.32 and his save percentage improved to a ridiculously good .952.

"I love the way he's playing. He's sound," said head coach Patrick Roy in the post-game. "He's very well-positioned, and everything seems easy for him. I'm very impressed at the way he's been playing."

Hogberg has allowed one goal or fewer in three consecutive starts. That's the first time since Ilya Sorokin did it between Dec. 22 and Dec. 29 in 2022. It will be fascinating to see if Roy sticks with Hogberg on Monday night for a critical game against Columbus. The Blue Jackets team currently hold the top Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference and are eight points ahead of the Islanders, having played 46 games to the Isles' 45.

"That's a big boy," commended captain Anders Lee. "He's calm in the nets and I think that's contagious, that kind of poise. Another phenomenal game for him."

Roy was asked after the 5-3 loss to Philadelphia on Thursday night if he had noticed any difference in how the team was playing in front of Hogberg compared to Sorokin. He responded that he wouldn't go there and the pointed out that the team only allowed 23 shots to the Flyers.

Hogberg was signed to a two-year contract over the summer to supply some much-needed organizational depth for the Islanders behind Sorokin and backup Semyon Varlamov. He had spent the previous three seasons playing for Linkoping HC of the Swedish Hockey League and had a 3.26 GAA in 11 games with Bridgeport before his emergency call-up in December.

“Obviously with him not being in the league for a few years, I’m sure a lot of people weren’t sure what to expect,” defenseman Ryan Pulock said. “But every single time he’s been in there he’s been great.”

Hogberg's emergency call-up status means he does not have to go through waivers to be returned to Bridgeport when Varlamov is healthy. However, he's currently making the case that he should be between the pipes for the team's most critical games of the season and keep this unexpected hot streak going as long as he can.