"There are only a handful of elite goaltenders in the NHL, and the NY Islanders have one of them. Ilya Sorokin has proven he is one of the top shot stoppers in the league despite having below-average (for his standards) numbers over the last two seasons. After his stellar 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, Sorokin has seen his SV% decrease and his GAA increase."
"If Varlamov is unable to start the season, Roy has another option to spell Sorokin until he's ready to return. Then, the Islanders could either carry three goaltenders or hope Rittich clears waivers and can play in Bridgeport. The ideal number of starts for Sorokin should be in the 50-55 range. He's capable of playing 60 games, but needs a day off every so often."
Ilya Sorokin remains an elite NHL goaltender despite recent declines in save percentage and increases in goals-against average. Overuse has contributed to subpar seasons, with Sorokin facing stretches of double-digit consecutive starts while the team chased playoffs. Semyon Varlamov missed significant time due to injury, leaving Sorokin as the primary netminder. The Islanders signed David Rittich as a potential short-term backup to provide relief if Varlamov cannot start. Carrying three goaltenders or using Bridgeport are roster options. Limiting Sorokin to roughly 50–55 starts, with occasional days off, offers the best chance to maintain performance and postseason hopes.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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