Islanders Top 3 Players of the Week: Mathew Barzal shines in great week

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ilya Sorokin

Ilya Sorokin started in two games last week for the Islanders making his presence felt majorly in both games. Against their cross-town rivals, Sorokin shut out the Rangers in the Islanders' 3-0 win. The 27-year-old goaltender finished the game with 41 saves on 41 shot attempts for a perfect save percentage.

"He was outstanding. He's gained confidence, he's gained so much in the time he's been here, period."

- Lane Lambert on Ilya Sorokin's shut out

It wasn't easy by any means as the Rangers' offense can be explosive at times. While the Rangers threatened on multiple opportunities throughout the game, the Islanders stood tall, and more importantly, Sorokin stood taller in the net and was a brick wall the entire night.

The second game that Sorokin played came two nights later when the Islanders traveled to Carolina. While it wasn't a shutout, the Islanders, and more importantly Sorokin, played incredibly well. The Hurricanes were held to just two goals on the night due to the Islanders' relentless forecheck, but also large in part to the play of Sorokin.

"Their goalie played really well, I give him a lot of credit. But their team game, I think they played their best game in the [five] years I've been [coaching] against them. By far the best game they've played."

- Rod Brind'Amour on the Islanders

Sorokin finished the game in Carolina with just two goals allowed on 35 shot attempts making 33 saves, accruing a save percentage of .943%. Despite the goals allowed, it was a downright incredible performance against a team like Carolina which is known for making teams pay with their high octane offense and an offense that not only knows how to move the puck around well but can put it on net too.