Sorokin Deserving of All-Star Designation

Ilya Sorokin is taking his talents to South Beach - at least for a weekend.
Sorokin was one of 12 players voted by fans to play in the 2023 NHL All-Star Weekend, taking place on Feb. 3 and 4 in Sunrise, FL. If you're looking for at least 22 of those votes, they can be found inside the Islanders locker room. After all, Sorokin's teammates are amongst his biggest fans.

"I'm surprised he wasn't in there at the start," Casey Cizikas said. "The way he's played this season, the way he's carried us this year, he's played unbelievable and every single game he gives us a chance to win."
Sorokin's .926 SV% ranks third in the NHL among goalies with 10 starts, his 2.32 GAA ranks sixth and his three shutouts are in a six-way tie for second. Not all shutouts are created equal though. Of the seven 40-or-more save shutouts in the NHL this season, Sorokin has three of them, stopping 49, 46 and 41 shots, respectively. He's first, second and fourth when it comes to most saves in a shutout win this season.
"Ilya is the best goalie in the world, so he deserves to be there," Mathew Barzal said.

The Russian netminder was a five-time all-star in the KHL, so it was just a matter of time until he found himself in an NHL All-Star Game. Admittedly, Sorokin said All-Star Games, which usually include plenty of breakaways, both in the skills competition and the game itself, aren't the most fun for goalies, but he appreciates the support from the fans.
Since coming over to the NHL in 2020-21, Sorokin's .924 SV% is second in the NHL, one point behind close friend, and crosstown rival, Igor Shesterkin. They both own 2.33 GAA's, which tie for third over that span, trailing only the two Boston Bruins netminders. Sorokin's 13 shutouts lead the league.
That's all to say Sorokin's outstanding season isn't just a flash in the pan, though even after seeing it firsthand for three years, the Islanders are still in how did he do that? mode when they see Sorokin's acrobatics.

"Some of the saves that he makes, you're in disbelief," Cizikas said.
Sorokin will have some company down in Florida, as
he joins Brock Nelson in the three-on-three showcase
.
"He's probably the most deserving," Nelson said after Sorokin's 42-save effort in a 3-2 OT loss to Buffalo. "Especially a night like tonight [Thursday] just proves what he's worth to us. He gives us a chance if we're not at our best to still win games, so well deserved for him and happy for him."