Mysteriously Ilya Sorokin didn't finish game against Tampa for Islanders (Updated)

Through 42 games on the 2021-22 season, New York Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin has put up a 22-13-7 record while averaging a stellar 2.29GAA and 0.927SV%. Picking right where he left off last season (his first in the NHL). He's easily the Isles number one goalie now and for the future.

In a back-to-back weekend with games against the Bruins and the Lightning, the Islanders decided to play Varlamov on Saturday in Boston and then give Sorokin the crease for the game at home facing Tampa.

Through two full periods of play against Tampa, Sorokin stopped 18 of 20 shots. Another strong showing from Sorokin, but for some reason he wasn't on the ice for the third period.

New York Islanders: Ilya Sorokin mysteriously missing for third period

There was no word as to why Sorokin was out of the game for the Isles. He wasn't on the bench to start the third which would indicate that his absence wasn't performance related.

Semyon Varlamov stepped in for the third frame after playing just the day prior in Boston. Varlamov was obviously not as strong in Boston (he gave up 6 goals), but of late the veteran NHLer has been good. In his last ten outings (prior to the Boston loss) he's put up a 3-5-1 record while averaging a great 0.921SV% and 2.4GAA.

Sorokin wasn't seemingly injured during the game, but he did take two pucks up high to his mask. Both times the snaps on his mask came flying off. Perhaps there's a lingering issue from that?

Ideally we'll find out soon why Sorokin was pulled from the game and hopefully it's nothing major.

The Islanders rely on Sorokin. In his previous ten games, Sorokin holds a 7-2-1 record with a spectacular 0.946SV% and 1.8GAA. Squeaky clean numbers there.