Patrick Roy, coach of the New York Islanders, must make a crucial decision for Game 3 against Carolina: stick with current starting goalie Semyon Varlamov or turn to franchise goalie Ilya Sorokin. Varlamov has performed admirably in the regular season’s final stretch, playing a significant role in the Islanders’ playoff qualification. Roy praised Varlamov’s ability to control rebounds, a weakness Sorokin exhibited when he lost his starting role. However, Sorokin remains the Islanders’ long-term solution, with an $8.25 million annual salary that reflects his status as the franchise’s cornerstone. Benching Sorokin for an entire playoff series would bear similarities to the situation Billy Smith faced in the 1978 playoffs. Additionally, Varlamov’s increased workload in recent months raises concerns about his potential for fatigue. The Islanders’ Game 2 collapse necessitates a spark that Sorokin could potentially provide. Roy’s experience as a Hall of Fame goaltender lends credibility to his decision-making, but the pressure is on to make the right choice that will propel the Islanders forward in the playoffs.
Patrick Roy’s Playoff Goalie Conundrum: Varlamov’s Performance vs. Sorokin’s Pedigree
