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New York Islanders

Ilya Sorokin Heading to All-Star Game, Has ‘Stop Puck’ at Elite Rate

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1 year ago

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Ilya Sorokin, New York Islanders

BUFFALO, NY — New York Islanders netminder Ilya Sorokin told NYI Hockey Now back at training camp that he worked on ‘stop puck’ during the offseason. And so far in 2022-23 he has done that at an elite rate.

After not being selected by the NHL to represent the Islanders at the All-Star Game, with Brock Nelson getting the honors, Ilya Sorokin has been voted in by the fans.

This is Ilya Sorokin’s first All-Star selection and likely will not be his last.

Appreciate fans who voted for me,” Sorokin said.

When asked if it was fun for goalies at All-Star games, given that Sorokin made five during his time in the KHL, he had us cracking up.

“Absolutely no. No,” Sorokin said with a grin on his face. He ended his press conference by thanking the fans again.

“Thanks for the fans who voted for me.”

It hasn’t been a perfect season for Sorokin, but he has been the New York Islanders’ best player for most of this season, and the Islanders only find themselves in the playoff race because of his performances.

After an elite showing against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night despite a 3-2 overtime loss, stopping 42 of 45, 19 alone in the first, Sorokin sits fifth in the NHL with a 2.32 GAA and second with a .926 SV% and three shutouts.

Per NaturalStatrick.com, Sorokin owns a Goals-Saved Above Average of 21.44, which is second to Vezina-race leader and Boston Bruins starter Linus Ullmark (26.74).

“I mean, he’s probably the most deserving,” Nelson said. “Especially, I mean, I think a night like tonight just proves his worth, his value to us. He gives us a chance if we’re not at our best to still win games, so well deserved for him, and happy for him.”

Matt Martin, who didn’t know about Sorokin when we asked Thursday night, was very happy for his netminder.

“He obviously deserves it. He’s one of the top goaltenders in the league, and we’re very fortunate to have him here,” Martin said. “Tonight was more of the same that we’ve seen all season. Just steady in net. When we do have breakdowns, he generally swallows them up for us and makes it look easy when he does it.”

“So we’re blessed to have not only him but two goalies back there that cover up for our mistakes as often as we make them.”

There are too many jaw-dropping saves from Sorokin’s season to share them all, but it’s become a common theme, seeing the 27-year-old commit robberies.

Here are a few to send you on your way:

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