The New York Rangers and New York Islanders have a rich rivalry. For decades, these two clubs have had an array of heated battles. Interestingly, they also have the two best goalies in the NHL in Igor Shesterkin (Rangers) and Ilya Sorokin (Islanders). However, which goalie should you pick for your fantasy hockey team? Let’s dive into that now.
Shesterkin vs. Sorokin In 2023 Fantasy Hockey
The Case for Shesterkin
Since his arrival to the NHL in 2019-20, Shesterkin has been a game-changer for the Rangers. He immediately made the Rangers competitive again because of his marvelous play. However, his most dominant season came in 2021-22. In 53 games, he had a fantastic 36-13-4 record. However, he also led the NHL with a .935 SV% and a 2.07 GAA. This, in turn, led to him winning his first Vezina Trophy.
Shesterkin struggled to replicate his stupendous 2021-22 numbers last season, but he was still quite good. In 58 appearances, he had a .916 SV% and a 2.48 GAA. These were still well above the NHL average, and it is a big reason why the Rangers were so good in the regular season. Yet, when looking at his 2021-22 campaign, we know he is capable of doing even more.
Overall, Shesterkin is an obvious choice for your fantasy hockey team. He is one of the game’s best goalies, and it does not hurt that he has a strong defense in front of him.
The Case for Sorokin
Yes, Shesterkin is a star, but Sorokin certainly is himself. Similar to Shesterkin, Sorokin has made a monstrous impact for the Islanders since joining the team in the 2020-21 season. Had it not been for Linus Ullmark’s historic 2022-23 season, Sorokin likely would have won the Vezina Trophy. In 60 games, Sorokin sported a 31-22-7 record, a .924 SV%, and a 2.34 GAA. He was the main reason why the Islanders just got into the playoffs, too. He also was an All-Star for the first time.
Although it was a great season for Sorokin, this has become the norm for the 27-year-old. In 2021-22, his numbers were very similar, as he had a .925 SV% and a 2.40 GAA. Consistency is something fantasy hockey managers need to look for, and Sorokin provides plenty of that.
Sorokin continues to thrive on an average Islanders team and makes them competitive in the process. Fresh off his signing his eight-year, $66 million extension this summer, we should expect more of the same from him in 2023-24.
Getting Either Goalie Is a Big Win
At the end of the day, your fantasy hockey roster is in great shape if you land either one of these goalies. Both of them have Vezina Trophy potential and are big reasons why both New York teams are constant playoff threats. Shesterkin showed that he is a world-class goalie in 2021-22, while Sorokin has the potential to put up a monstrous season like that.
Overall, when it comes to these two, it comes to personal preference. If you want a goalie who already has a Vezina Trophy, go with Shesterkin. Yet, if you seek a consistent star player with room for growth, Sorokin is your guy.
Looking for more great fantasy hockey analysis? Check out our 2023 Fantasy Hockey Draft Kit for team previews, rankings, and all the sleepers you can shake a stick at.