Islanders' Sorokin Faces Uncertain Redemption After Rare Rough Outing

Coach Roy weighs whether to give star goalie immediate chance to bounce back from career-worst performance.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:57am

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Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin had a rare off-night, allowing a career-high 7 goals in an 8-3 loss to the Penguins. Coach Patrick Roy must now decide whether to give Sorokin, a Vezina Trophy candidate, an immediate chance at redemption or allow him some rest before the team's upcoming back-to-back games.

Why it matters

Sorokin has been a key factor in the Islanders' success this season, leading the league in shutouts. His performance is crucial as the team pushes for a playoff spot in the final weeks of the regular season. How Roy manages Sorokin's workload and recovery could impact the Islanders' postseason chances.

The details

Sorokin allowed 7 goals on 31 shots in the loss to the Penguins, his worst outing of the season. He said he was physically ready to play in back-to-back games, but Roy must weigh whether Sorokin is mentally prepared for an immediate chance at redemption. The Islanders have a busy schedule ahead, with multiple back-to-back sets in the final two weeks.

  • The Islanders lost to the Penguins 8-3 on Monday, March 30, 2026 at UBS Arena.
  • The Islanders play the Sabres on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • The Islanders have back-to-back games on April 11 (hosting Ottawa) and April 12 (at Montreal).
  • The Islanders' regular season finale is against the Hurricanes on April 14, 2026.

The players

Ilya Sorokin

The Islanders' starting goaltender, a Vezina Trophy candidate who has been a key factor in the team's success this season.

Patrick Roy

The Islanders' head coach, who must decide whether to give Sorokin an immediate chance at redemption or allow him some rest before the team's upcoming busy schedule.

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What they’re saying

“We gotta talk about this one and see where we're at.”

— Patrick Roy, Head Coach

“It happens. It's hockey. It's just one game.”

— Ilya Sorokin

What’s next

The Islanders have back-to-back games on April 11 (hosting Ottawa) and April 12 (at Montreal), as well as their regular season finale against the Hurricanes on April 14. Coach Roy must decide whether to give Sorokin an immediate chance to bounce back or allow him some rest before the team's busy upcoming schedule.

The takeaway

Sorokin's performance is crucial for the Islanders' playoff push, but managing his workload and recovery will be a delicate balance for Coach Roy in the final weeks of the regular season. How the team handles this rare rough outing for their star goaltender could impact their postseason chances.