Pencils down. Professor Stan Fischler grades the 2022-23 New York Islanders goalies and defensemen. The grades are merely one man's opinion; no more and no less.
After posting my New York Islanders forward grades last week, I rate the Isles defense and goalies.
As a reminder...
I have a right to grade hockey players for a few reasons.
1. I've been watching the ice game for more than a half-century.
2. I was a professor at Fordham University, Columbia University and Queens College.
3. The New York Islanders, in particular, were in my telescope all season.
The following grades are merely one man's opinion; no more and no less.
They are here to promote healthy discussion whether you disagree or not. It's called healthy debate. See what you think.
Note: A=Excellent; B=Very Good; C=Good Enough; D=Could Be Better.
GRADES:
Adam Pelech: B- The normally steady D-man proved his value when the team plummeted during his absence. It took a while for him to return to form and when he did, it helped the playoff push. But he struggled at times during the Canes series and flubbed the clearing attempt that led to the closing goal!
Ryan Pulock: B His offense could have been better but -- that said -- he was a steady performer from start to finish. Too bad he wasn't used much more on the power play. Of all our playoff performers, Ryan was the best, game in and game out.
Noah Dobson: C- The most disappointing of the blue liners, Dobson was expected to be a key power play quarterback and rock in his own zone. His seemingly impressive 49 points cloak what was a regression on defense. Noah must regain that lost form next season.
Alexander Romanov: B- The former Hab needed a bit of adjustment time but once he got comfortable he proved solid in his end and a physical beast. Some of his hits were eye-openers and bruise inducing. The good news is that he'll get even better with time.
Scott Mayfield. C . The career-high offense (24 points) was welcome but some of Scott's decision-making inside the blue line was questionable; as well as whether he'll return next season. Personally, I hope so since he's more asset than debit to the team.
Sebastian Aho: C+ He's a future asset, to be sure. Sibby showed improvement on both sides of the puck and wasn't too bad on the power play. Unfortunately he didn't have enough time nor experience on the PP to make the most of his talents. But next season; yes!
Samuel Bolduc: This is one defensive D-man whose potential will be exploited next season. Pressed into playoff service, his inexperience showed but so did his efforts. With a good training camp, he could earn a spot on the varsity next term.
Ilya Sorokin: A- Had the ace goalkeeper not fanned on Peter Stastny's Hail Mary shot that eliminated the Isles, Ilya would have earned a clear A. As it is -- and was -- he was the club's clear MVP and very likely was overworked by the time Stastny fired the ill-fated puck from the goal line.
Semyon Varlamov: B+ Relegated to a backup role, Varly accepted it as the professional that he is and performed admirably when called upon. Upon further review, the team -- and Sorokin -- would have benefitted had Varly played more games. Ilya may have been ridden too hard!