The Islanders have a dilemma on their hands. But it is a good one. Who should start for New York in the playoffs? While Semyon Varlamov has impressed this season, Ilya Sorokin should start for the New York Islanders in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Sorokin is the more talented player and has single-handedly stolen games for his team. Varlamov is a great system goalie in front of a good team. However, the Islanders are not playing like a good team right now. They are struggling to put the puck in the net and need Sorokin’s magic to go far in the postseason.

Prior to last Saturday’s 6-3 loss against the Capitals, Sorokin was 12-4-1 with a .922 save percentage. His 30-save shutout last Sunday over the Flyers was an iconic performance, one that gave the Islanders a much-needed two points as they try to secure a playoff spot.

Before Saturday, Sorokin was 10-2-0 with a 1.95 goals against average (GAA) and .926 save percentage in 12 games since March 1. He was 8-0-0 with a 1.71 GAA and .928 save percentage in eight home games.

“Day-in, day-out, practice day, game day… he’s always trying to do his best,” said Islanders forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau. “He’s super competitive. Even in practice, he lets one goal in and he’s not happy. He’s trying to save all of them. And that’s why I think he’s so good. He’s fighting for us and he’s playing for the logo in front (of the jersey) and we’re happy to have him here.”

While Sorokin struggled last Saturday, that was his first outlier of the season. Besides when he needed to suit up after Cal Clutterbuck shot the puck high on Varlamov in warmups, he has played perfectly.

With Varlamov, the Islanders are a predictable team. But with Ilya Sorokin, the Islanders are a Stanley Cup contender in the playoffs. So, if the Islanders want to win the Stanley Cup, they should start Sorokin.

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David Lazar