In 2021, the Islanders finished fourth in the MassMutual East Division and made it back to the Stanley Cup Semifinal. They fell short in Game 7 to the Tampa Bay Lightning. It took a whole team effort for the Islanders to make it back to the Semifinal in back-to-back years. Some players stood out and others did not. Let’s take a look at the Islanders 2021 season awards.

Most Valuable Player: Semyon Varlamov

There is no doubt that Semyon Varlamov deserved MVP for the Islanders, after coming off of one of his best seasons. He finished with a 19-11-4 record with a 2.04 goals against average (GAA), .921 save percentage (SV%) and seven shutouts in the regular season. In the playoffs, he finished with a 7-7 record with a 2.56 GAA and .922 SV%.

In June, when Varlamov was not on the Vezina Trophy finalist list Trotz said “[Varlamov] has been our MVP this year.” Varlamov finished fifth in Vezina Trophy votes with 11 points.

Varlamov made many sensational saves throughout the season, one of which is below.

⚠️ Stick Save Ahead ⚠️

Semyon Varlamov | @NYIslanders pic.twitter.com/oakop7dpEG

— NHL (@NHL) March 10, 2021

Most Disappointing Player: Nick Leddy

Nick Leddy, in my opinion, was the Islanders’ weakest defenseman. He is an offensive defenseman. While he led all defensemen on the Islanders with 31 points (7G, 26A, 31P), he was weak in the defensive zone. He was on the ice for 125 goals the Islanders allowed during the season. He was also the only Islanders defenseman amongst the starting six to end with a negative +/- throughout the regular season.

Most Surprising Player: Ilya Sorokin

All fans had high expectations and hopes for Ilya Sorokin this season when he made his NHL debut. In his debut against the New York Rangers, he wasn’t at his best. Sorokin had a rough start but after a few starts he was excellent the remainder of the way and when his name was called during the playoffs.

Sorokin exceeded expectations ending with a 2.17 GAA, .918 SV% and three shutouts during the regular season. But he was even better in the playoffs. Sorokin went 4-1 with a 2.79 GAA and .922 SV% when called upon in the 2021 postseason.

Ilya Sorokin with the tremendous toe save to rob Sidney Crosby blind in tight!#Isles pic.twitter.com/bOdRsvnhLu

— Hockey Daily 365 (@HockeyDaily365) May 16, 2021

Best Defensemen: Adam Pelech

Adam Pelech is one of the best defensemen in the National Hockey League and is extremely overlooked. Pelech is most certainly the best defenseman on the New York Islanders (not far behind him is his partner, Ryan Pulock). Pelech ended the season with a +15 which is tied with Ryan Pulock for the best on the team. Pelech ended the regular season with 14 points (4G, 10A, 14P). In the playoffs, he had 5 points (1G, 4A, 5P).

Adam Pelech. SHORTHANDED GOAL?? pic.twitter.com/hDM3xB4hRq

— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) April 25, 2021

Since Trotz has become the head coach of the New York Islanders, the team has advanced further each season. This season didn’t end the way anyone wanted it to but this team has a lot to do in the offseason and will be back making what many hope will be another historic run that will start in October of 2021.

Jacob

Writer for Drive4Five covering the New York Islanders.