EAST MEADOW, N.Y. — There is no denying that New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin has experienced a regression in his numbers this season.
After finishing second in the Vezina Trophy voting last season with a .924 save percentage, a 2.34 goals-against average, and a league-leading six shutouts, the 26-year-old’s save percentage has dwindled to .908 and his goals-against has swollen to 3.03.
He gave up five goals on 31 shots on Sunday against the Rangers to cap a recent streak where he posted an .896 save percentage over his previous 11 games.
“I’m not 100% pleased and it’s obvious,” Islanders head coach Patrick Roy began when asked about Sorokin’s play by amNewYork. “I’m sure he’s not pleased himself, either.”
Sorokin has had to contend with being one of the most overworked goalies in the NHL this season. He has faced the most shots (1,604), made the most saves (1,467), and has seen the fifth-most high-danger chances.
But since Roy has taken over, the shots have begun to slow up. The 471 he has faced since late January ranks tied for 12th in the league during that stretch, which is something that Roy believes is contributing to his struggles.
“It’s different. Before, we were giving up a lot of 40-shot games, now we’re giving less than 30 shots most of the nights,” Roy said. “It’s just an adjustment for him, less shots. But even the chances, we’re cutting down on, so it’s a different game for him. Now every save counts [a little bit more]. But am I worried? No.
“When you have less [shots to face], I guess you have more time to think about, ‘OK, I just let that one in and I know I should’ve had that one.’ … Your mind is not as free.”
A notable proponent of Sorokin’s bloated stat line this season is his numbers while shorthanded. Oftentimes left out to dry by what was one of the worst penalty-kill units ever which has made some strides forward in recent games, his goals-against average while the Islanders are a man down is 11.27.
“A lot of that comes from us as well,” defenseman Noah Dobson told amNewYork. “We were giving up probably the most high-danger chances for a little bit there. So as a goalie, you’re getting Grade-A’s over and over again. That’s going to affect your numbers.
“Those numbers might be down but as a player, I haven’t noticed a difference in him. I still think every night, he gives us a chance to win. He’s one of the top goalies in the league.”
