New York Islanders

Will Ilya Sorokin Make His First All-Star Appearance in Year 2?

Published

2 years ago

January 10, 2022

The New York Islanders have not had a season to boast about. They have battled injures, COVID-19, the wackiest schedule in the history of hockey, and find themselves in the last spot in the Metropolitan Division. But certain players have put together solid seasons, and this season the play of Ilya Sorokin from start to now could earn him a spot in the NHL All-Star Game on Feb. 5.

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And although the All-Star Game itself means nothing, being selected is an honor.

On Sunday, NHL.com writers voted on their All-Star teams, and Sorokin made the cut for the Metropolitan Division.

While this is not the official roster, Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes and Sorokin were selected as the Metro backstops.

Andersen has dominated this season, while the Islanders cross-town rival New York Rangers have seen their netminder Igor Shesterkin prove to be one of the best netminders in the sport, but was left off.

The reason Shesterkin was not voted in as one of the two netminders is because every team needs to be represented at these festivities.

The Rangers already have Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox projected to make it, meaning a fourth would hinder the ability for every team to have a player selected.

Remember this All-Star team is not a fan vote, only the captains and the “last man in” votes are. That means Sorokin being placed in the NHL.com’s All-Star roster is based on his performance this season.

Sorokin’s road to a potential All-Star appearance was paved early on this season.

Islanders head coach Barry Trotz tasked his second-year netminder with nine of the first 10 starts of a 13-game road trip to kick off the season due to Semyon Varlamov missing training camp and not yet ready to play.

After a few weaker performances out of the gate, from Sorokin and the Islanders, Sorokin bounced back, and the Islanders went streaking.

A seven-game points streak saw Sorokin allow just eight goals for a 1.13 GAA. His save percentage over that stretch was also stellar at .963, with three shutouts.

Two of the three shutouts came in back-to-back contests on back-to-back days, first against the Arizona Coyotes and then the Vegas Golden Knights.

Good Morning!! 🌞 ☕ While you were asleep the @NYIslanders won their hockey game due Ilya Sorokin securing another shutout the DAY after he did it to Arizona. It's a franchise record. Feel free to tell every hockey fan you run into today all about it. pic.twitter.com/8k4xTrSI1R

— Isles on MSG+ (@IslesMSGN) October 25, 2021

On the season, Sorokin has a 2.46 GAA with a .925 SV% and three shutouts in 20 games (8-7-5) this season.

Out of 28 goaltenders that have played 800 minutes or more this season (5 on 5), Sorokin ranks sixth in SV% (.936), 10th in GAA (2.06), and ninth in goals-saved above average (8.21 GSAA).