New York Islanders netminder Ilya Sorokin spoke back on Monday about what it would mean to be a Vezina finalist, his workload this season, and the overtime goal he allowed in Game Six.

New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin might be the most talented netminder in the NHL. His numbers during the NHL regular season were elite, and although he wasn't at his best in a few playoff games, he gave his teammates a chance to win their first-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes.

"As far as emotions, it's not about season. Lost in playoffs. Always want more," Sorokin said. "But what happened, happened. Team played great. And maybe a couple details...it not help us."

READ MORE:  I'm Just Sayin' -- My Many Thoughts After the Islanders Early Exit

Sorokin spoke more with us regarding various topics, including what it would mean to win the Vezina Trophy, his workload this season, and the overtime goal he allowed in Game Six to end their season. 

Sorokin & The Vezina

If you asked fans from around the NHL which goaltender should be hoisting the 2022-23 Vezina Trophy, most would choose Boston Bruins netminder Linus Ullmark.

It's an award based on stats, and Ullmark's 1.89 GAA, along with his .938 SV% will likely work out in his favor. 

Behind him sits New York Islanders netminder Ilya Sorokin, who finished his regular season campaign with a 2.38 GAA, a .924 SV%, and an NHL-leading six shutouts. 

Now there's a major difference in the stats. But there's also a major difference between the teams each one plays in front of.

Ullmark's Bruins not only scored the second-most goals for per game in the NHL at 3.67 but also allowed the fewest, 2.12.

The Bruins were one of nine teams to allow under 30 shots per game. 

Now, Ullmark's play had a lot to do with it, as it's idiotic to look at his numbers and say that it was solely due to playing behind the best statistical team in NHL history. 

In comparison, Sorokin's Islanders scored just 2.95 goals per game, allowing 2.65, while allowing 31 shots against per.

While Ullmark did have phenomenal numbers, he faced 382 fewer shots than Sorokin, 177 fewer high-danger shots, per NaturalStatrick.com. 

It makes a bit of sense, given that Ullmark started 48 games, while Sorokin started 60.

Ullmark also won 40 games, while Sorokin won 31.  

It does show how much more compact Boston was this season compared to New York.

Although Sorokin knows he had a strong regular season, that didn't matter to him.

"I never think about individual awards," Sorokin said. "It's nothing if you don't have a team. Team main part. So if yes, it's not my result. It's our team result."

Sorokin & Fatigue

This season, Sorokin made 60 starts, a new career-high. He started 14 of the Islanders last 16 regular season games post the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, playing 14 straight including postseason play. 

Fatigue seemed to play a part in Sorokin's game, more so in the playoffs, and he was honest about the uptick in playing time. 

"It's really good experience. I never play in regular season 60 games, and it's not easy," Sorokin said. "And if you have bad physical conditions, it's no chance to play in this league. 

"I felt okay (with the playing time). So sometimes was days when I feel not good, but I think it's normal situation," Sorokin said. 

Sorokin proved this season that having a "1B" like Semyon Varlamov may not be a need for New York. But, with Varlamov on the roster, Islanders head coach Lane Lambert may look back and think that he should have rested Sorokin a bit more.

It was a tough decision as, down the stretch, the Islanders needed as many points as possible, and Sorokin had proven to be the goalie that came through more often than not with those big-time saves. 

Sorokin & Season Ender

The New York Islanders season came to a close in Game Six on a Paul Stastny overtime winner.

It was a shot that Sorokin likely stops in his sleep more times than not, but one that banked off his right pad and in:

"I know how I say, but I can't say this word," Sorokin said when wanting to describe his emotions on that puck sneaking in. "Personally, in Game Six overtime, it was really a sad moment.

When asked if that was one of those moments that he would never watch again, Sorokin said that wouldn't be the case. 

"First day, no. After, when emotions come down, so I can analyze and (see) what I can do, so (it) never happens again," Sorokin said.

Despite that goal on a few questionable ones in the postseason, Sorokin finished his second playoff run with a He ended his playoffs with a 2.60 GAA and a .924 SV%.

Although this has nothing to do with the Vezina voting, Ullmark finished his postseason with a 3.33 GAA, an .896 SV%, and did not play in Boston's Game Seven contest against the Florida Panthers, in which they lost. 

Sorokin's plans this offseason is to practice, as that shouldn't be a shocker to anyone that knows the Islanders netminder.

As for signing a contract extension, which he is eligible to sign this offseason, he hasn't thought about that with one year left.

"It's very great for me. Love this place and love the people who are around me," Sorokin said about his current situation. 

There's no question that Ilya Sorokin is the bonafide starter for New York Islanders for the foreseeable future, as we shall see if Semyon Varlamov, Sorokin's mentor, and good friend, stays with the team.

More on Varlamov coming later over at The Hockey News.