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Islanders' Ilya Sorokin getting invaluable practice time heading into uncertain offseason

Russia goalkeeper Ilya Sorokin makes a save during the Sweden Hockey Games at Scandinavium Arena in Goteborg, Sweden, on Feb. 11, 2017. Credit: AP/Bjorn Larsson Rosvall

The longer this Islanders’ postseason run goes, the better it is for Ilya Sorokin.

The Russian goalie prospect, expected to play a huge role for the Islanders likely as soon as next season, is ineligible to participate in the postseason games after finally signing with the team. But he’s been practicing with the team’s extras since July 28.

And as far as the Islanders are concerned, the more time Sorokin gets working with director of goaltending Mitch Korn, goalie coach Piero Greco and acclimating to the North American game after five seasons in the KHL, the better.