Stefen Rosner on Morning Cuppa Hockey Talking Islanders After Thursday's morning skate, the New York Islanders [https://thn.com/isles] announced that Ilya Sorokin [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/ilya-sorokin-new-york-islanders-colorado-avalanche-patrick-roy-third-periods] would get the nod against the St. Louis Blues. It seemed like that would be the case following Wednesday's practice after Patrick Roy told the pals Ethan Sears and Andrew Gross that Sorokin was ‘likely’ to get the start. A conversation had to be had with goalie coach Piero Greco first just to make sure Sorokin was ready to go. The 29-year-old was great in his season debut, turning aside 32 Colorado Avalanche shots in a 6-2 win on Monday, which included stopping 16 of 17 shots in the third period. While Sorokin is 100 percent healthy after offseason back surgery, which is why he started against the Avalanche, it was impossible to know how he'd feel after his first game back. Because he missed a week of training camp and the entire preseason, it wouldn't have been shocking to hear that Sorokin was dealing with soreness or fatigue just from a lack of playing. So, the fact that he is getting consecutive starts means he feels great, which bodes well for Sorokin and the Islanders going forward. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEwMDUxMDQ4NDU3MzgxMzQy/usatsi_22813241-2.jpg] The Islanders expect great things from Sorokin this season, who is the first of an eight-year deal worth $8.25 million annually. Sorokin's first start of the season was impressive, and now it's about seeing if he can bring that strong rebound control and puck-tracking into the game against the Blues. He is 3-1-0 in four career games against the Blues, with a 2.51 GAA and .911 SV%. TOP STORIES
