NY Islanders place goaltender Ilya Sorokin on IR ahead of game versus NY Rangers

The New York Islanders made a procedural — but important — move ahead of Saturday night’s game against the New York Rangers, placing franchise goaltender Ilya Sorokin on injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 20.

The designation means Sorokin is eligible to return as soon as Sunday night when the Islanders visit the Columbus Blue Jackets, having satisfied the league’s mandatory seven-day IR requirement. Whether that actually happens remains uncertain and likely won’t be known until game day.

What began as a “small, nagging issue” the team hoped would only cost Sorokin a single start has now forced the Islanders to navigate at least one full week and two games without their No. 1 goaltender. On Saturday morning, it was being described as a "lower body" injury. The IR move does not necessarily signal a setback, but rather gives the club flexibility while continuing to prioritize caution with one of the most important players in the organization.

With Sorokin sidelined, the Islanders once again recalled Marcus Hogberg from Bridgeport on an emergency basis. That came as David Rittich made consecutive starts for the first time this season, and will now be in net for a third straight game against the rival Blueshirts.

Rittich has been excellent, giving the Islanders steady, confident goaltending and buying the coaching staff time as Sorokin recovers. But with back-to-back games against the Rangers and Blue Jackets, the Islanders may face a real decision if Sorokin isn't ready for Sunday: continue riding the hot hand in Rittich or turn to Hogberg, who was uneven in limited NHL action last season.

The key variable is Sorokin himself. If he feels right and medical staff are satisfied, his return Sunday is possible. If not, the Islanders can afford patience without needing another roster move. Either way, clarity should come quickly — and the crease will remain one of the most closely watched storylines as the Islanders navigate this pivotal stretch.