Ilya Sorokin, the goaltender for the New York Islanders, had an exceptional 2022-23 season, posting a .924 save percentage over 62 games and leading his team to the playoffs. His performance was so impressive that many believed he deserved the Vezina Trophy, although he finished second in the voting to Linus Ullmark. Sorokin’s season was even considered one of the best by a goaltender in the modern era.
One measure of Sorokin’s success was his goals saved above expected (GSAx) statistic. He had a GSAx of 51.36, the second-highest of any goaltender since the stat has been tracked. This was significantly higher than any other goaltender, with Juuse Saros ranking third at 45.49 and Igor Shesterkin, the winner of the previous year’s Vezina Trophy, ranking ninth at 37.18. Given these incredible numbers, it was unlikely that Sorokin would be able to replicate his success in the following season.
Despite facing more shots than any other goaltender in the league this season, Sorokin’s performance has fallen below expectations. His save percentage currently sits at .908, which is average but not outstanding. While he has made some impressive saves, there have also been several stoppable goals that have been let in. For example, during a recent game against the Rangers, a go-ahead goal bounced off Sorokin before going into the net.
Islanders coach Patrick Roy defended Sorokin’s performance, stating that he thought the goaltender played well and that some of the goals were difficult to prevent. However, there has been a noticeable drop-off in Sorokin’s performance in two areas: medium-danger shots and on the penalty kill. His save percentage on medium-danger shots has dropped from .922 to .870, and on the penalty kill, it has dropped from .869 to .822. Even when accounting for the team’s performance in front of him, Sorokin’s numbers have declined significantly compared to last season.
Overall, Sorokin’s play this season has been solid but not exceptional. While he has not been a problem for the Islanders, there is a significant difference between his historically great performance last season and his performance this season. It is unlikely that Sorokin will be able to replicate the success he had in 2022-23, but he remains an important player for the team.
In other news, the Islanders have activated Robert Bortuzzo from long-term injured reserve. Bortuzzo had been sidelined with a high ankle sprain.
