NY Islanders not taking any chances with nagging Ilya Sorokin injury concern

The New York Islanders offered clarity Monday on two key lineup questions heading into their final game before the NHL’s holiday break — and both answers point toward caution, patience, and the long view.

The most immediate decision: Ilya Sorokin will not be in net Tuesday night when the Islanders host the New Jersey Devils at UBS Arena. Instead, David Rittich will make a second straight start, while Sorokin is being shut down for the week with what the team described as a “small, nagging issue.”

The Islanders stressed this is not about alarm — it’s about opportunity. With a three-day league-wide break looming, the club opted to give its No. 1 goalie extended rest rather than push through discomfort. Sorokin did not practice Monday, and the team confirmed he is expected back after the holiday break.

That decision triggered a corresponding move: Marcus Hogberg was recalled on an emergency basis from the Bridgeport Islanders, necessary due to the NHL roster freeze that runs through the break. Hogberg provides insurance behind Rittich and ensures the Islanders remain covered should anything unexpected arise.

Head coach Patrick Roy made clear the approach is preventative. “It was something that was nagging him,” Roy said. “We didn’t want to take any chances.”

Meanwhile, the Islanders also confirmed Bo Horvat will not return until after the break, even though the team’s leading scorer skated Monday in a red non-contact jersey. Horvat missed his fifth straight game Tuesday and did not take line rushes or power-play reps, but his presence was still viewed as a positive step.

Taken together, the message was consistent: protect core players now to be stronger later. With games against the New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets waiting after the break, the Islanders are prioritizing health over short-term urgency.

For Sorokin and Horvat, the pause isn’t a setback — it’s part of the plan.