Dylan Burhans & Noah Pedrazzoli conclude their Islanders fantasy hockey rankings by covering the goaltending
It’s official: hockey is back this month. As training camp approaches, Noah Pedrazzoli and Dylan Burhans dive into fantasy hockey rankings for the New York Islanders. For those looking to bolster their fantasy teams, Hockey Night in New York will break down the top forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders for this upcoming season.
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Ilya Sorokin
Burhans: Ilya Sorokin remains the top goaltender for the New York Islanders heading into next season. Despite a down year from the elite netminder, Sorokin has been nothing short of sensational for the blue and orange. With a 2.58 GAA, a .919 SV%, and an astounding 15 shutouts in 170 games played, Sorokin will look to rebound under a full season of Patrick Roy at the helm.
Pedrazzoli: Ilya Sorokin is the clear starter for the New York Islanders. While he underperformed last year, Sorokin still posted a decent save percentage of .909 and goals against average of 3.01. The Islanders are blessed with having two amazing goalies that rank consistently as one of the best goalie tandems in the league. It’s Sorokin’s crease, but there will be some nights, now under new coach Patrick Roy, where he will earn some much-deserved rest in favor of veteran Semyon Varlamov.
Ilya Sorokin (courtesy Sammi Silber, THN)
“Reilly is easily a worthwhile investment if a fantasy team needs to fill an additional defensive roster spot.”
– Noah Pedrazzoli
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Semyon Varlamov
Burhans: Semyon Varlamov is a strong sleeper candidate. With a 2.74 GAA, .917 SV%, and eight shutouts in 82 games played over the past three seasons, Varlamov will provide stability in net in a 1A-1B rotation.
Pedrazzoli: Semyon Varlamov is one of the best backup goalies in the NHL. A true 1B option that can take over the crease with ease and take on the toughest of teams. You may remember he posted a shutout against a resurgent Nashville Predators team while the Islanders were making a dramatic push towards the playoffs in April of 2024. Varlamov has been a starter for most of his career, but has played the loyal soldier in recent years as Sorokin’s backup.
Fantasy hockey enthusiasts should take note that Patrick Roy is the coach that introduced Varlamov to the league during his tenure with the Avalanche, forming a special relationship with the legendary goalie-turned-coach. Roy will be utilizing a two-goalie system in which both goaltenders are heavily trusted to carry their weight to the postseason. Therefore, consider Varlamov an excellent third goalie if needed.
Catch the latest episode of HNiNY as the boys spoke to Brian Compton of nhl.com about the summer & training camp
Hockey Night in New York returns to cover the New York Islanders all season long with hosts Sean Cuthbert and Stefen Rosner live from Floored Media in Rockville Centre Sundays at 8PM ET! Regular episodes being Sunday October 6th!