Marcus Hogberg has his first stinker for the NY Islanders at worst possible time

New York Islanders' backup goaltender, Marcus Hogberg, has been a great story this season, but he had his worst game of the year at the worst possible time. Hogberg allowed six goals on 30 shots in the Islanders' 6-4 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. It was the third straight game the Islanders have allowed at least five goals, and six for the first time since February vs. Minnesota.

Prior to Sunday, Hogberg had been spectacular, allowing 15 goals on 218 shots for a 1.82 Goals Against Average (GAA) and posting a .931 save percentage. Per MSG Networks' statistician Eric Hornick, both the GAA and save percentage were the best in Islanders history for any goalie who had played at least six games for the franchise.

"A couple saves he could have made would've made the difference in that game," said Roy about Hogberg's performance. The Swedish goaltender came in relief of Sorokin against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday night, but hadn't started a game until Mar. 22.

It will be interesting to see where Hogberg fits into the team's plans beyond this season. The 30-year-old signed a two-year contract in May to provide some much-needed organizational goaltending depth for the Islanders, who lack NHL-ready talent at Bridgeport. Jakub Skarek made his NHL debut earlier this season when Hogberg was injured, but he isn't viewed as an NHL option.

Hogberg was signed seemingly as insurance policy if either Sorokin or Semyon Varlamov got hurt. With Varlamov's injury believed to be serious, there are some questions about whether or not he'll be ready to return as Sorokin's backup next season with two years remaining on his contract. If he's not, the Islanders will have to make a determination as to whether Hogberg has shown enough to be considered the backup goaltender heading into next season or if they have to go shopping in a very scarce goaltending free agent class.