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5 hockey players who will be your new NHL favorites after the Olympics

By Adam Stocker

BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 28: Rasmus Dahlin
BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 28: Rasmus Dahlin /
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ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN – JANUARY 14, 2018: Goalie Ilya Sorokin of the Tarasov Division in the semi-final match against the Kharlamov Division during the Kontinental Hockey League All-Star Game, a four-team tournament between the Divisions of the League, as part of the 2018 Week of Hockey Stars, at Barys Arena. Sergei Bobylev/TASS (Photo by Sergei Bobylev\TASS via Getty Images)
ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN – JANUARY 14, 2018: Goalie Ilya Sorokin of the Tarasov Division in the semi-final match against the Kharlamov Division during the Kontinental Hockey League All-Star Game, a four-team tournament between the Divisions of the League, as part of the 2018 Week of Hockey Stars, at Barys Arena. Sergei Bobylev/TASS (Photo by Sergei Bobylev\TASS via Getty Images) /

2. Ilya Sorokin — Russia

The New York Islanders drafted goaltender Ilya Sorokin in the third round of the 2014 NHL Draft, 78th overall. However, the Russian goalie has yet to come to the NHL. Instead, Sorokin has opted to remain in Russia, playing in the KHL for CSKA Moscow. Unfortunately, for Islander fans hoping for Sorokin to solve their goalie woes, they will have to wait as the Russia netminder extended his contract with CSKA until 2020.

Sorokin has been dominant at times, leading Moscow to the best record in the KHL the past three season and winning the KHL’s best goalie award in 2015-16. During the 2015-16 season, Sorokin recorded absolutely ridiculous numbers, posing a .953 save percentage and 1.06 goals against average. This season, Sorokin has posted a .930 save percentage, his fourth-straight season posting at least a .929 save percentage. Over the past three seasons, Sorokin has recorded 23 shutouts in only 103 games. Despite putting up godly numbers, Sorokin is still considered a raw talent by NHL scouts.  One of the flaws to Sorokin’s game is his positioning. Sorokin can sometimes getting out of position by overplaying a shot.

Sorokin will likely be the starting for the Russian team at the Olympics. However, head coach Oleg Znarok has not named a starter and could opt to start either Vasily Koshechkin or New York Rangers prospect Igor Shesterkin.

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