The NHL has recognized NY Islanders' goaltender Ilya Sorokin for his recent success between the pipes

In the last two months, Ilya Sorokin has been absolutely sensational in goal for the NY Islanders. Returning to the form that saw him as the Vezina Trophy runner-up in 2022, Sorokin has been the backbone of this Islanders team.

This past week, posting a 3-0 record with one shutout, a 1.33 GAA and .960 SV%, Sorkin was named the NHL's first star of the week for the second time this season.

While Sorokin's numbers were nothing short of dazzling, what is more impressive is the competition he did it against. Allowing one goal against the red-hot Tampa Bay Lightning, Sorokin followed it up with a lights-out game against the Colorado Avalanche, becoming only the second netminder to win a regulation game against the Avs this season. He'd top it off with a road shutout against the Lightning on Saturday night.

Since the Islanders decided to promote Sergei Naumov to goaltending coach on Oct. 20, Sorokin has taken off, allowing just 2.06 goals against, while turning away 92.5% of shots.

“There’s a lot of trust in the two of them,” Patrick Roy said after Saturday night's shutout. “Every time I look at them, it reminds me of the relationship I had with François [Allaire] when I was in Montreal. It means a lot for a goalie to have a connection with your goalie coach, and that’s exactly what’s going on right now for him.”

Despite facing some key injuries, the Islanders continue to climb up the standings in the Metro Division, with Sorokin being one of the key components. If his play continues at this rate, the Islanders will be in the thick of the playoff hunt come April.