Sorokin's stellar play has raised the question: Who is the best goaltender in hockey?
Linus Ullmark (Bruins) is likely to win the Vezina Trophy as the season's best goaltender, but winning the award does not mean he is the definitive answer to the question. That will always be up for debate.
Although Ullmark has had an impressive season, several other goaltenders are also in the conversation for the title of the best in hockey, such as Igor Shesterkin (Rangers), Connor Hellebuyck (Jets), and Juuse Saros (Predators).
However, my pick for the best goaltender in hockey is Ilya Sorokin. Sorokin did not even play an NHL game until January 2021, but you would have to go back to February 2020 to find a goaltender who has accumulated more shutout victories.
To understand why Sorokin is the best goaltender in hockey right now, readers must understand two statistics: Expected Goals (xG) and Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx).