Islanders Reactivate Sorokin, Reassign Hogberg
The New York Islanders have taken significant steps to bolster their roster as the NHL season progresses. On Friday, they activated goaltender Ilya Sorokin from injured reserve, according to a report by Stefen Rosner of NHL.com. Sorokin will serve as the backup goalie to David Rittich for Saturday’s match against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is expected to resume his starting role on Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils.
Player Movements and Key Stats
As a corresponding move, third-string goaltender Marcus Högberg has been reassigned to AHL Bridgeport. Högberg’s brief stint with the Islanders included a relief appearance where he allowed two goals on seven shots. He has a record of 5-7-3, with a 3.08 GAA and an .881 SV% in 14 games for Bridgeport this season.
Sorokin’s Season Performance
Sorokin is seen as a frontrunner for the Vezina Trophy, having missed the last five games due to an undisclosed injury. Before his injury, he had been performing exceptionally well, with a record of 12-10-2 across 24 starts, a 2.55 GAA, and a .910 SV%. Notably, he achieved three shutouts and saved 22.8 goals above expectation, placing him first in the NHL, as per MoneyPuck statistics.
Rittich’s Role
David Rittich, who has stepped in during Sorokin’s absence, has shown competence this season. However, he has faced challenges recently, having been pulled from a game after allowing five goals on 14 shots against the Mammoth. Despite this, Rittich maintains a .909 SV% in 17 games this year and will be aiming to secure vital points for the Islanders.
Future Prospects
The Islanders are currently maintaining a 96-point pace. If they can sustain this trajectory, both Sorokin and Calder candidate Matthew Schaefer will be pivotal in their playoff ambitions. Sorokin’s impressive 137 career wins already rank third in Islanders franchise history, and his .916 SV% leads among goalies with a minimum of 100 starts.
The activation of Sorokin and reassignment of Högberg signify strategic moves by the Islanders to optimize their lineup as they pursue postseason success.
