BREAKING NEWS: Islanders’ Goaltender Ilya Sorokin Named NHL First Star of the Week After Dominant Performance
February 3, 2025 – New York, NY
In a week of highs and hard-earned victories for the New York Islanders, goaltender Ilya Sorokin stood tall—both literally and figuratively—earning NHL’s coveted First Star of the Week honors. The league announced the selection earlier today, citing Sorokin’s exceptional stats and game-saving performances that helped keep the Islanders’ playoff hopes flickering.
The 29-year-old netminder posted a stunning .953 save percentage and a 1.33 goals-against average over three appearances, capped off by a spectacular shutout against the Philadelphia Flyers. The clean sheet, his third of the 2024–25 season, came on home ice at UBS Arena, where Sorokin turned away all 32 shots he faced. His quick reflexes, ice-cold composure, and cat-like lateral movement were on full display, leaving Flyers forwards frustrated and the Isles faithful on their feet.
“Ilya was lights out,” Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said postgame. “He gave us a chance every night this week. That shutout was something special—he just locked it down.”
In addition to blanking the Flyers, Sorokin also secured two other wins during the week, including a crucial road victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Facing playoff-caliber pressure, Sorokin made 38 saves in that contest, holding off a late push from Pittsburgh to secure a 4–2 win. His performance earned praise from across the league, with analysts highlighting his puck-tracking, rebound control, and ability to read the play well ahead of time.
This is not Sorokin’s first taste of the NHL’s weekly honors, but it is arguably one of the most meaningful given the context. The Islanders have struggled with inconsistency and injuries all season, and Sorokin’s elite goaltending has often been the backbone of their success. With key defensemen like Noah Dobson and Ryan Pulock sidelined for stretches of the season, the pressure on Sorokin has been immense.
“He’s our MVP,” said forward Mathew Barzal. “We know if we make a mistake, he’s back there to bail us out. It gives us confidence to play our game.”
Drafted in the third round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Sorokin spent several seasons dominating the KHL with CSKA Moscow before joining the Islanders in 2020. Since then, he’s evolved into one of the NHL’s premier goaltenders and is regularly mentioned in Vezina Trophy conversations. His calm demeanor and methodical preparation have made him a fan favorite and a respected leader in the Islanders’ locker room.
As the regular season winds down, the Islanders remain outside the playoff bubble, but Sorokin’s hot streak could not have come at a better time. With a string of must-win games ahead, the team will need every bit of brilliance from their star between the pipes.
“Every game matters right now,” Sorokin said after the Flyers game. “I just focus on one puck at a time.”
If he keeps this form going, the Islanders may still have a shot at a postseason push—and Sorokin could be the one to carry them there.
— Reporting by ChatGPT Sports Desk