Islanders Third-String Goalie Hogberg Proving To Be A Reliable Backup Option If Sorokin Isn't Ready For Start Of NHL Season

Marcus Hogberg seems like he can handle the New York Islanders' backup goalie role if Ilya Sorokin isn't ready to go for the start of the season.

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Fixing their goaltending depth was at the top of New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello's priority list this summer.

Drafting two goalies in Dmitry Gamzin and Marcus Gidlof in Las Vegas helped the goalie pipeline, but what about a goalie ready for NHL action if an injury arises? 

Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you Marcus Hogberg. 

The 29-year-old former Ottawa Senators netminder (2018-2021) was looking to return to the NHL after playing the last three seasons in Sweden. 

On May 7, the Islanders gave him that opportunity, inking him to a two-year, two-way deal. 

It was an incredibly interesting signing, especially since Hogberg owned a 3.39 GAA with an underwhelming .894 SV% in 42 career NHL games. 

Ottawa struggled mightily, which was reflected in Hogberg's stat line, similar to Robin Lehner's situation in Buffalo before he signed with Long Island. 

After turning aside 15 of 17 shots in his first preseason game against the New Jersey Devils, Hogberg took another step against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night.

Although he allowed one goal, an off-the-end-board tap-in, Hogberg's movement across the crease was exceptional. 

He stopped 24 of 25 shots in the 2-0 loss. 

“He was very patient in front of his net. I thought he was reading plays very well," Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said postgame.
"They had a couple of good looks, and I thought he was really good. 

"He's a big man, so when he's moving well, he reads the play well and covers a lot of space. So it was nice to see him play that way, absolutely."

It's not uncommon for the two goalies to play a full preseason game, but they split the game more often than not. 

But Hogberg deserved the full thing.

The Hockey News caught up with the new netminder to get his thoughts on his performance. 

“It was really fun to get a full game today, and I had a lot of fun," Hogberg told THN.  

As Roy said, his anticipation was the major standout. He stopped more than five one-timers while controlling his rebounds.

"I felt more confident," Hogberg said. "I felt a little bit better today.

“I felt pretty comfortable out there. It helps a lot to get some practice and work on things I need to adjust, and I felt pretty good out there.” 

Although goalies have one job regardless of the system in place, it's ultra important that Hogberg understands Patrick Roy's system. 

The reason is that, especially when playing the puck, Hogberg needs to know where his defense will be or where the forwards will be to potentially move the puck farther up the ice than just dishing it off behind his goal. 

It's also important that Hogberg learns each defenseman's tendencies. 

“It takes some time, but it's pretty simple. That's the word we use here," Hogberg said.

While Hogberg is focused on showcasing to the coaching staff that he can be relied upon if need be, he's had the tremendous pleasure of playing for Roy. 

“I think he brings really good leadership," Hogberg said. "He wants us to work hard and be good every time we step on the ice, so it's been fun.” 

Why does Hogberg's performance matter?

Well, as of now, it doesn't seem as if starting netminder Ilya Sorokin will be ready for the start of the season. He's missed over a week of training camp as he works his way back from offseason back surgery. 

If Sorokin can't go and won't be ready, let's say, for the first month of the season, the Islanders will likely place him on long-term injured reserve, clearing up enough cap space ($8.25 M) to keep Hogberg and his $775,000. 

Right now, the Islanders only have $50,000 in available cap space.