The New York Islanders' netminder, Ilya Sorokin, has been hit with a setback, landing him on the injured reserve list. A concerning development for the team's playoff hopes.
The Islanders, fresh off their brief NHL holiday break, received some unwelcome news on Saturday. Their star goaltender, Sorokin, has been sidelined with a lower-body injury, effective December 20th. This leaves the team in a tricky situation as they prepare for a crucial game against the Rangers.
David Rittich, who has started in Sorokin's absence, will continue his streak between the pipes, with Marcus Hogberg called up from the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers as backup.
But here's where it gets tricky: Sorokin's eligibility to return for Sunday's game in Columbus remains uncertain. The team has been tight-lipped about his travel plans, leaving fans and analysts guessing.
His last appearance was a 4-1 defeat against the Canucks on December 19th, after which he took a backseat to Rittich in the following game. The Islanders initially planned to give Sorokin an extended rest during the holiday week, downplaying the injury's severity.
Coach Patrick Roy explained, 'It was a persistent issue for him, and we didn't want to risk aggravating it.'
With a 12-10-2 record, a 2.55 goals-against average, and a .910 save percentage, Sorokin's absence could significantly impact the team's performance.
Adding to the drama, leading scorer Bo Horvat (19 goals, 12 assists) is set to rejoin the lineup after recovering from a leg/ankle injury, just in time for the Rangers clash.
Andrew Gross, the Islanders' correspondent for Newsday since 2018, has been covering the NHL since 2003, previously reporting on the Rangers and Devils. His coverage extends to the Jets, St. John's, and MLB.
The big question is: Can the Islanders maintain their momentum without their top goalie? The team's performance in the coming games will be a true test of their depth and resilience. Will they rise to the challenge, or will this injury prove to be a season-defining setback? Share your predictions in the comments below!
