The New York Islanders Banking on Ilya Sorokin Returning to Vezina Form

The Plus/Minus Sides of New York Islanders Starting Goalie Ilya Sorokin

PLUS

In 2023, Sorokin earned a Vezina nomination following an outstanding 2022-23 campaign. He started 60 games, winning 31, and posting a 2.34 GAA to go with a .924 SV%. That performance propelled the New York Islanders to a wildcard berth, losing to the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round.

That season truly put Sorokin on the map as a workhorse starting goaltender. Over the past three seasons, he’s started at least 52 games, consistently putting up a 900-plus save percentage.

Moreover, Sorokin has been a go-to netminder when the team has not played well. He’s stolen games for the Isles, often going toe-to-toe with the league’s best netminders. Sorokin is the type of goaltender who bails out defenders when they make mistakes, allowing the team in front of him to play more confidently.

With Sorokin under contract for the foreseeable future, there is no reason for concern about the Isles’ goaltending situation. The 29-year-old Russian has proven he can handle the workload, playoff pressure, and responsibility of leading an NHL team over an entire season.

So, there’s little reason to doubt that Sorokin is the real deal. The key will be for the Isles to play solid defense in front of Sorokin, reducing the need for the club to rely on his spectacular play just to keep the club alive in most games.

Overall, the Isles are set in goal with Ilya Sorokin. The philosophy here is building the team from the net out. With a solid defensive in front of him, the New York Islanders should have fewer headaches this upcoming season as they challenge the big players in the Metro Division.