EXCLUSIVE: Inside The Mind Of A Goalie During Shootouts — Featuring Ilya Sorokin & David Rittich
In this exclusive, Islanders goalies Ilya Sorokin and David Rittich break down what goes through their minds during NHL shootouts — plus insight from Patrick Roy.
Following the 2004–05 lockout, the NHL introduced the shootout as the method of deciding games that remained tied after five minutes of 4-on-4 overtime.
Since then, creativity has flourished in these one-on-one skills competitions, with some players’ careers defined by their ability to consistently beat goaltenders with the same move, time and time again.
Frans Nielsen immediately comes to mind. His signature forehand-backhand combination was so predictable, yet so dominant, that it became part of Islanders lore.
There’s no question the shooter holds the advantage — and many embrace the pressure of that moment. But some goaltenders relish the challenge of facing the league’s best and shutting them down.
Hockey Hall of Famer and Islanders head coach Patrick Roy never had the opportunity to take part in NHL shootouts, as he retired before they were introduced. But when asked about the few he had faced internationally, Roy reflected on how he had approached them.
“It didn’t really matter to me when I was playing, whether the guy went fast or slow. But I didn’t have that many shootouts — the only real one I ever had was at the Olympics,” Roy said. “Back in my days, there were no shootouts; if the game was tied after overtime, that was it.
I would’ve loved to have been in that position — to have a chance to win a game in a shootout. It’s something I probably would’ve worked harder on in practice if it existed back then.”
This season, the Islanders are 0-0-2 in shootouts, with Ilya Sorokin in net for both losses.
I spoke with Sorokin and backup David Rittich about their mindset during shootouts — and how they approach one of hockey’s most unpredictable moments.