Ilya Sorokin has won every game in which he's started for the New York Islanders in this playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In Game 5, Sorokin made 48 saves en route to a 3-2 victory in double overtime on the road, no less.
So what can the Penguins do to get him off his game Wednesday night in Game 6?
WFAN's and New York Sports Day Islanders analyst Peter Schwartz joined The Fan Morning Show to talk about the Islanders young goaltender.
"One of the things we've seen when he's played this year, the Islanders have played very well in front of him and that's a big reason why he hasn't been touched. To be honest with you, I think it's going to take a tremendous effort to try and rattle this kid," said Schwartz. "He's 25 years old, he's a rookie. But he's not your typical 25-year-old rookie. The Islanders waited six years for him to arrive, they drafted him in 2014 and he's been in Russia and has been an All-Star and a magnificent player in the KHL where he's won championship.
He might be a rookie in the NHL but he's not a rookie in terms of the sport. Barry Trotz has been asked about him all season long about his makeup, he's a tremendous character guy, a true pro. The players love him. I honestly think it would take a tremendous effort to rattle him and I'm not sure at this point in the series, with the way he's played, that there's really much the Penguins can do.
I don't think there's any way to rattle this kid mentally. I think he's that tough in that respect."
Schwartz says that Islanders fans and observers realize that the team is leading this series heading into Game 6 largely because of Sorokin's play and because of the system that Barry Trotz deploys.
He believes that rookie Oliver Wahlstrom has been the best skater for the Islanders in this series. Schwartz thinks it would be a huge loss for New York if he can't suit up on Wednesday night.
Schwartz also expects more of what Barry Trotz calls "gang tackling" Sidney Crosby's line, with most of it coming from what they call the "identity line" of Matt Martin, Casey Cizikas, Cal Clutterbuck along with Ryan Pulock and Adam Peleck on the blue line to continue to manage the damage.
