NY Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin pulled early in game 3; watches from tunnel

New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said Game 3 was the perfect scenario for Ilya Sorokin to get the start against the Carolina Hurricanes. It proved to be anything but as the 28-year-old was pulled after allowing his third goal of the game 7:14 into the second period.

Seconds later, Roy signaled for Semyon Varlamov to go into the game. Rather than go to the end of the bench, Sorokin elected to go down the tunnel and leaned up against the wall with his helmet on, obviously extremely disappointed in his performance that left the team down 3-1.

He stayed there for the rest of the period, alone in his thoughts as his season continued to fall short of the lofty expectations he entered the season with after finishing as the Vezina runner-up. During the summer, organization made a long-term commitment to Sorokin, signing him to an eight-year extension that starts next season.

"I can't imagine the disappointment he's trying to deal with right now," said MSG Networks Analyst Butch Goring. "In some occasions, it's not embarrassing because it just happens, but a game like today, when you're looking for a big performance, and you're not able to give it to your team, it's a little bit disappointing and a little bit embarrassing for Sorokin."

Brent Burns opened the scoring 4:46 into the game on a long shot from the half boards that was deflected past Sorokin. Dmitri Orlov later scored at 10:25 when he patiently held the puck and beat Sorokin stick side as the goaltender moved over across the crease.