Islanders top three players so far in 2022

The New York Islanders are having an unexpected season. After going to the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals in back-to-back years, the Isles find themselves struggling to make the playoffs. Even though the full team is struggling, there are three players who are having a wonderful season.

1: Ilya Sorokin

To start off with the obvious, Ilya Sorokin has stood tall in net for the Isles all year long. His angles are sharp, and he’s quick to make saves. 

With Semyon Varlamov and Sorokin not splitting the crease 50/50, this allowed Sorokin to get more time in net. The ongoing chances he is admitted will only help him for the future.

Right now, Sorokin is second in the NHL for shutouts with five this season which leaves him at a total of eight for his career. He's played 37 games for the season, 15 more games than last season. 

Sorokin already proved he’s a crucial piece to the roster through his continuous hard work. He is a huge asset to the Islanders' goaltending future.

2. Noah Dobson

Noah Dobson’s career completely sparked back in December 2021. Dobson has found himself on the scoresheet multiple times since then. He's sprouted into an offensive-defenseman after a more "reserved" start to his NHL career.

Dobson understands his defensive responsibilities, can pump out the offense when needed, and knows how to place a pass. He doubled his point total from last season midway through the current season.

He ended the 2020-21 season with 14 points in 46 games. So far, Dobson has 10 goals and 20 assists since the start of the 2021-22 season. 

Starting from Dec. 4, Dobson has played 35 games and recorded at least one point in 21 out of those games. He has five multi-point games so far and I believe he will continue to be a common name on the scoresheet

3. Brock Nelson

Out of the forwards, Brock Nelson seems to be shining the most. He has a touch of both a "goal scorer" and a "playmaker" to create a well-balanced offensive player.

So far in the 2021-22 season Nelson played 44 games and has a total of 31 points. In comparison to last season, he is on pace to have one of the best seasons of his career.

Another stat to zero in on is that Nelson has recorded 19 points in 18 games the Isles have won. When he produces it usually ends well for the Isles and if his production is a little bit more steady, it can give the team that extra boost to clinch a win.

Nelson also skates on the first power-play unit and is tied for second on the team in power-play goals with his linemate, Anthony Beauvillier. Leading the team with 21 goals in 44 games, Nelson's production to close out the season is crucial for the standings.

Given high expectations on the season, Ilya Sorokin, Noah Dobson and Brock Nelson having wonderful seasons is something for Islanders fans to appreciate.