Islanders Sorokin could end up on Hart Ballots for this reason, analyst believes

New York Islanders’ netminder looks increasingly good for his first Vezina Trophy this season. But he may just follow in Connor Hellebuyck’s footsteps and take the Hart Trophy as well.

The Hart, by definition, is the player most valuable to his team. Well, could anyone be more valuable to the Islanders than Sorokin?

After the disastrous game in Montreal on Saturday night, Patrick Roy threw Sorokin back over the boards. And all the Isles’ number-one goalie did was pitch a shutout against the Columbus Blue Jackets. This was a game that the Islanders had to win. A loss would have all but sunk the Isles’ playoff chances. The outcome, instead, was two points in regulation and a return to a playoff spot.

That situation has not gone unnoticed. In a Monday piece by Sean McIndoe in The Athletic, the notable analyst pointed out that Sorokin’s performance against Columbus could be the determining factor that could land the Russian netminder on Hart ballots.

“A loss to the red-hot Blue Jackets would have felt disastrous. Instead, they got an Ilya Sorokin shutout and a 1-0 win that may have saved the season. Remember this one when Sorokin shows up on Hart ballots.”

McIndoe is not wrong by any means. While Sorokin is not going to get consideration for JUST one game, the performance encapsulates everything that Sorokin has been for the Islanders all season long. He was brilliant when his team needed him the most. And that’s what MVP-caliber players do when their teams need them the most.

Islanders drop Red Wings, keep pace with Blue Jackets

The Islanders’ win on Sunday brought them even with the Blue Jackets with 85 points. Columbus is technically third in the Metro Division, as they have played one fewer game than the Isles and have fewer regulation losses.

That said, the Isles’ victory dropped the Detroit Red Wings out of a playoff spot. Detroit has 84 points, but has a game in hand on the Islanders. That’s something that will come into play. That’s why the Isles cannot afford to let any more points slip away at this juncture of the season.

The path forward for the Isles is simple: Win, and you’re in. That attitude will be crucial on Tuesday when the club takes on the Chicago Blackhawks. After that, the road head features games against the Dallas Stars, Buffalo Sabres, and two meetings against the Carolina Hurricanes. But that’s precisely the sort of test the Isles will need to get them sharp into the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.