Goalie of the week: Ilya Sorkin
Ilya Sorokin is a Russian goaltender who joined the New York Islanders in 2021. Sorokin was originally selected by the Islanders in the third round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft and signed with the team after several successful seasons playing in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
Sorokin made an immediate impact upon his arrival in New York, quickly establishing himself as one of the NHL's top goalies with his impressive performance in the Islanders' net. Throughout the 2021-2022 season, Sorokin demonstrated his exceptional talent, showcasing quick reflexes, excellent positioning, and an unparalleled competitiveness.
Despite being a rookie, Sorokin quickly won the starting goaltender role, playing in 29 regular-season games and recording 16 wins, 7 losses, and 5 overtime losses. He finished the season with a 2.18 goals-against average (GAA) and a .918 save percentage, earning the praise of fans and analysts alike.
Sorokin continued his strong play into the playoffs, helping lead the Islanders to the second round. He was particularly impressive in the first-round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, making several critical saves to secure victories for his team.
Off the ice, Sorokin has been praised for his professionalism and work ethic, making him a fan favorite and a valuable member of the Islanders' organization. He has also become known for his unique, flashy style of play, which has been a source of inspiration for young goalies around the world.
In conclusion, Ilya Sorokin's time with the New York Islanders has been nothing short of spectacular. He has quickly established himself as one of the league's top goalies and has proven to be a valuable asset to the Islanders' organization. Sorokin's future in the NHL is bright, and Islanders fans can look forward to many more years of excellent play from this talented goaltender.