Sorokin still set to start

Semyon Varlamov did not quite get a chance to play the hero on Thursday night as the Islanders allowed just 14 shots on net, tying a season low.

But Varlamov was good enough in making a few key saves on odd-man rushes that Patrick Roy was asked following the 3-2 win over the Habs whether the netminder’s play had changed his thinking for Saturday’s grudge match against the Rangers, which Ilya Sorokin is scheduled to start.

“No,” Roy said. “We have two very good goaltenders. Ilya played really well against Chicago and Columbus [last week]. He gave up one goal against Chicago and two against Columbus. So no, it does not. We’re going with Ilya.”

So after being deprived of Sorokin facing his friend Igor Shesterkin on Tuesday, the matchup is back in play on Saturday, though Rangers coach Peter Laviolette has yet to confirm a starter.

What makes this matchup different than all the others is that it represents Sorokin’s best remaining chance to make a case to start Game 1 of a potential playoff series, a race in which Varlamov is currently outstripping the 2022 Vezina Trophy candidate.

“Varly is in the zone right now,” Roy said. “He’s big out there, he’s square, he’s tough to beat. And he gave us a chance to stay in that game and win that hockey game.”

Roy has continued to profess faith in both netminders down the stretch, but the proof has been in his deployment of them over the last few weeks.

Sorokin has started just two games since a March 24 loss against the Devils, both against bottom-dwelling sides. Varlamov has started six in the same span, including every game against playoff opposition.

The Islanders did not hold practice Friday ahead of the 12:30 start Saturday.