"Sorokin started the season slowly, but after the firing of Piero Greco and the promotion of Serge Naumov as goalie coach, the Russian netminder has elevated his game and put his name at the forefront of the Vezina Trophy conversation. Feb 5, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) makes a save against the New Jersey Devils during the second period at Prudential Center."
"Sorokin sits eighth in the league with a 2.44 GAA, T-3 in SV% at .916, first in high-danger SV% at .882, first in shutouts with six, and first in goals saved above expected at 27.8. This team goes as Sorokin goes, and while he likely won't be considered for the Hart Trophy, it's difficult to find a player more instrumental to their team's success."
"It hasn't been the start Jonathan Drouin hoped for on Long Island. Scoring the first goal of the season for the Isles on opening night against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Drouin has added just two more goals, his last coming on Nov. 14 against the Utah Mammoth. And that goal didn't even come off his stick; it came off a shot that deflected off his leg."
The New York Islanders face a three-week pause and will resume play Feb. 26 as they pursue a playoff spot. Bo Horvat and Mat Barzal have provided important contributions, but Ilya Sorokin has been the most critical player due to elite goaltending. After an early slow start and a goalie-coach change from Piero Greco to Serge Naumov, Sorokin's performance improved dramatically. He ranks among the league leaders in GAA, SV%, high-danger SV%, shutouts, and goals saved above expected. Jonathan Drouin has struggled offensively, scoring just three times with his most recent goal deflecting off his leg.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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