Who to start · 2025-26
Ilya Sorokin vs Mackenzie Blackwood
In 2025-26, Ilya Sorokin posted a .906 save percentage to Mackenzie Blackwood's .903.
Against our expected-goals model, Sorokin saved +24.4 goals and Blackwood +5.5.
This week Sorokin has 1 game left; Blackwood has 1 left.
Ilya Sorokin has the better number in 7 of the 11 stats both are ranked on.
Sorokin's biggest edges: Saves 1,386, High-danger save % .864, Goals saved above expected +24.4.
Blackwood's biggest edges: Goals against 90, Goals-against average 2.50, Rebounds prevented /100 −2.53.
- • 2026-27 so far: 1 GP, 0 W, .923 SV%.
- • 2026-27 so far: 1 GP, 1 W, .871 SV%.
Fantasy value: your scoring
Ilya Sorokin
2.26
fantasy points per game
Mackenzie Blackwood
2.31
fantasy points per game
Under ESPN default points, Mackenzie Blackwood has the edge.
| Points per game from | Sorokin | Blackwood |
|---|---|---|
| Wins (+4) | 1.98 | 2.46 |
| Goals against (-2) | -5.16 | -4.83 |
| Saves (+0.2) | 5.03 | 4.39 |
| Shutouts (+3) | 0.38 | 0.23 |
| OT losses (+1) | 0.04 | 0.05 |
Per-game rates from the selected sample; blended mixes last season with this season, weighting this season more as games are played. Categories are scored as z-scores against qualified players at the same position. Your custom weights are saved in this browser only.
Head-to-head: Sorokin vs Blackwood
Every event between them in NHL play-by-play, 2020-21 to 2025-26: games against each other, faceoffs, shots on goal, hits and penalties. Regular season and playoffs.
Games against each other
| Date | Score | Sorokin | Blackwood |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-12-04 | NYI 6–3 COL | 35/38 SV | 36/41 SV |
| 2025-11-16 | NYI 1–4 COL | 24/27 SV | 0/0 SV |
| 2025-01-28 | NYI 5–2 COL | 30/32 SV | 23/27 SV |
| 2023-12-05 | NYI 4–5 SJS | 32/37 SV | 0/0 SV |
| 2023-03-27 | NYI 5–1 NJD | 30/31 SV | 0/0 SV |
| 2022-10-20 | NYI 1–4 NJD | 39/42 SV | 16/17 SV |
| 2021-12-11 | NYI 4–2 NJD | 30/32 SV | 0/0 SV |
| 2021-11-11 | NYI 0–4 NJD | 30/34 SV | 42/42 SV |
| 2021-05-08 | NYI 5–1 NJD | 23/24 SV | 22/27 SV |
| 2021-05-06 | NYI 1–2 NJD | 0/0 SV | 32/33 SV |
| 2021-03-14 | NYI 3–2 NJD | 29/31 SV | 0/0 SV |
| 2021-03-13 | NYI 3–2 NJD | 0/0 SV | 26/29 SV |
Latest 12 of 14 meetings.
Every stat, side by side
Season values; bars are percentiles at each player's position (longer is better). Click a stat for its explainer.
This week's schedule
Sep 28 to Oct 4. More games usually wins a weekly start/sit. Chips show how many fantasy points the opponent allows to the player's position (soft or tough), the Schedule Edge from rest and travel, and the likely opposing goalie with his save percentage. Projections use ESPN default points for the games left.
Ilya Sorokin
2games (1 left)
- Wed, Sep 30 @ TORSchedule edge +9.3 win%
- Sat, Oct 3 vs NJD
Mackenzie Blackwood
2games (1 left)
- Wed, Sep 30 vs LAK
- Sat, Oct 3 vs STLSchedule edge +9.3 win%
Similar matchups
FAQ
- Should I start Ilya Sorokin or Mackenzie Blackwood?
- In 2025-26, Ilya Sorokin posted a .906 save percentage to Mackenzie Blackwood's .903. Against our expected-goals model, Sorokin saved +24.4 goals and Blackwood +5.5. Confirm the starter on game day; workload and back-to-backs decide most goalie starts.
- Who is better, Ilya Sorokin or Mackenzie Blackwood?
- On 2025-26 numbers, Ilya Sorokin leads in 7 of 11 stats where both qualify, from scoring and power-play production to on-ice shot share and NHL EDGE tracking.
- How have Sorokin and Blackwood done against each other?
- In 14 games against each other in our data, Sorokin's team went 9–5.
2025-26 regular season from NHL play-by-play, shift charts and NHL EDGE, processed by Edgehalla. Head-to-head covers every loaded season (play-by-play from 2019-20; on-ice matchups from 2025-26).Compare other players →