Marcus Hogberg impressed everyone, including Patrick Roy, by starting three of the four games and conceding only three goals in total.
However, the Islanders' head coach said Hogberg's goalie rotation, which was tilted almost entirely in favor of Ilya Sorokin, before Sorokin fell ill last week in Utah, prompting Hogberg to acquire a goalie. I wouldn't go so far as to say that my way of thinking changed because of it. net.
“No, no. It gives me confidence that we have two very good goalies,” Roy said after Sunday's practice, confirming that Sorokin will be back in the crease against Columbus on Monday. “I'm not going to lie, I was a little nervous to talk at first.” [Hogberg] But when he came into the first game against Pittsburgh, I thought he played really well. He was good against Utah, he was very good against Ottawa, he was good again last night. I think that's how you build trust and confidence in your coach. ”
So, no. There is no goalie controversy on Long Island.
But Semyon Varlamov's return date from his lower-body injury is still unknown, and although Varlamov took the shot himself, Roy said Sunday there was no update on his status — Hogberg said at least the Islanders will return. Trust seems to have emerged as a capable backup.
That's no small thing considering the huge workload Sorokin has had since Varlamov was injured at the end of November.
“I feel comfortable out there,” Hogberg told the Post. “Have fun and find a way to stay focused, because this type of game [like Saturday’s win over San Jose]when you don't get many shots, you have to work mentally a little bit. I only concentrate when the puck is coming towards me. I try to stay focused and be ready when they get there. ”
Roy was impressed with the physicality of Mark Gacom, who had 11 hits in his first two NHL games and is expected to remain in the lineup Monday.
“It's his ticket to a big club, there's no doubt in my mind,” Roy said. “If he plays like this, it's going to be very difficult for us to make decisions and that's something he's in control of. How he goes out here, how he makes his checks. How he finishes, how he plays in the D-zone, how he plays offensively. I think that's the best way for him to make an impression, and I think that's what he's doing right now.”
Roy said Alexander Romanov missed Sunday's practice due to maintenance, but is scheduled to play on Monday.
