Ilya Sorokin will make his third consecutive start of the season on Monday against Winnipeg, Head Coach Patrick Roy confirmed. Despite a challenging start with an 0-2-0 record, a 4.21 goals-against average, and an .860 save percentage, Sorokin has historically excelled against the Jets, posting a 3-2-0 career record with a .932 save percentage, a 2.03 GAA, and one shutout.
“We have two very good goalies, very confident in both of them, but Ilya’s one of the best in the game,” Roy said. “There’s no reason not to use him right now.”
In lineup news, Jonathan Drouin will return after serving a one-game suspension for a cross-check in the season opener. He is expected to reunite with linemates Bo Horvat and Emil Heineman, a trio that built chemistry throughout training camp. Marc Gatcomb, who filled in for Drouin on Saturday, will exit the lineup.
Meanwhile, Anthony Duclair’s strong performance on Saturday has earned him a promotion. After skating with Horvat and Heineman, Duclair will now join the top-six to play alongside Mathew Barzal and Kyle Palmieri.
“Duclair deserves to be bumped up,” Roy said. “He played really well.”
The Islanders are also seeing early returns from a training camp focused on special teams. Roy was pleased with both units’ performance on Saturday against Washington, where the power play converted on two of its three opportunities. He noted clear progress in the team’s structure and puck movement.
“I could see the improvement every day,” Roy said. “Not just on our breakout and triggers, but the way we move the puck. They’re starting to read options. I like the way [Assistant Coach] Ray Bennett breaks it down and explains it to them.”
The penalty kill was also effective, successfully defending both of its chances, though a Capitals goal came just seconds after a penalty to Palmieri expired.
“With our penalty killing, I thought we did a great job,” Roy said. “Our guys are blocking shots. Simon [Holmstrom] had a big block and we had great saves at times from Ilya. But there are some areas we need to clean up and be better.”
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