Ilya Sorokin returns to set NY Islanders franchise record for most career shutouts

Ilya Sorokin carved his name into New York Islanders history on Tuesday night, delivering a performance that was equal parts dominant and symbolic. By stopping all 44 shots he faced in a 9-0 dismantling of the New Jersey Devils at UBS Arena, Sorokin recorded the 26th shutout of his career, passing Glenn 'Chico' Resch for the most by any goaltender in Islanders history.

For Sorokin, the milestone came with perspective. Fresh off a two-week absence due to injury, the Islanders’ No. 1 netminder leaned on structure and support around him as New Jersey poured pucks toward the net. “It’s a good memory to have,” Sorokin said. “But first of all, it’s teamwork. Without my team, I have nothing. So thanks to the guys for their help. They’re a big part of this record.”

That humility didn’t mask the difficulty of the task. Facing 44 shots in his first game back from IR, Sorokin admitted the early moments tested him. “At the start of the game, I was a little nervous because I had not played in two weeks,” he said. “But shot by shot, I started to feel confidence.” By the second period, that confidence had turned into control, as Sorokin tracked traffic, erased rebounds and shut down every Devils push before it could build momentum.

The shutout was more than a personal achievement; it was a reminder of Sorokin’s central role in the Islanders’ identity. Since arriving on Long Island, he has steadily climbed the franchise record book, and now stands alone atop one of its most meaningful goaltending categories. In a season that has tested the team's depth and resilience, Sorokin’s return — and record-setting night — reinforced why the Islanders are at their best when their backbone is at his best in the crease.

Now the question is how high the shutout record will go with Sorokin still early in his Isles career.