It feels safe to say that Ilya Sorokin did not need any lead time before returning to form off a lower-body injury.
Sorokin, in his first start after missing seven games, reminded the Islanders exactly what he means to them in Tuesday’s 9-0 beatdown of the Devils.
The netminder stopped 45 shots for his 26th career shutout, breaking the club’s franchise record while its previous holder, Chico Resch, was in the building as the Devils radio color analyst.
“It’s good memories, yes,” said Sorokin, who tends to downplay individual achievements even more than most hockey players. “But first of all, it’s teamwork. Without teammates I have nothing, so thanks guys for their help. Big point for this record.”
Sorokin, who aggravated an injury from two years ago before the Christmas break, said that he was “a little nervous” for his first game back.
He had plenty of work early on to set his mind right, though. Ironically, the Devils dominated possession and the shot count all game long, but the disparity in goaltending — Jacob Markstrom had a brutal night in New Jersey’s crease — was the main factor in how the score became so lopsided.
“Feel a little bit not in my game the first couple minutes,” Sorokin said. “But after [that], shot by shot, started to feel confidence. Guys helped me, scored a lot. It was an interesting game.”
David Rittich did an excellent job backing up Sorokin during his absence, with a .911 save percentage across seven games.
Sorokin, though, left no doubt at all on Tuesday that he is picking up right where he left off in a season that ought to have him in early Vezina Trophy consideration.
“He’s just so solid,” Mathew Barzal said. “You watch him tonight, he made some saves that were just insane. Late in the game, Jersey trying to break the shutout — he doesn’t take a second off that guy, honestly. He works as hard as anybody I’ve ever seen.
“Day in, day out, off days, practice, last guy at the rink. He’s inspiring.”
Matthew Schaefer said he signed with Tom Brady’s apparel brand, Nobull, and had a recent FaceTime call with the former quarterback.
Islanders prospect Victor Eklund was named Player of the Game in Sweden’s World Junior Championship final win over Czechia, recording a goal and assist.
He finished the tournament with two goals and five assists.
Team Czechia’s Olympic roster named Tuesday morning did not include Rittich.
