The Bridgeport Islanders knew going into this season that they would need a strong performance from their goaltenders to be successful. Through the first seven games of the new campaign, the goaltending has been there for the Islanders despite their offensive struggles and a big reason for that is the solid play of Jakub Skarek.
Contract Year
This was a critical season for the 23-year-old native of Czechia who struggled with consistency last year but was re-signed to a two-year, two-way deal by the team during the offseason.
Through five games, Skarek has a strong 2.76 goals against average and an .897 save percentage. He now ranks third in the AHL in minutes played with 304:04 and is 11th in the league in saves with 122.
This was a pivotal season for Skarek. He played inconsistently in his first two full seasons in the AHL. Part of that was due to the lack of steady defense in front of him.
Last season was a trying one for Skarek. He got off to a slow start to the season and lost playing time to veteran Corey Schneider. By the end of the season, Skarek’s play improved, and he led the team with 38 games played.
NHL Experience
The NHL Islanders called Skarek up during the playoffs and he got to spend some time in practice with the big club although he did not dress for any games. The playoff experience and his time in NHL training camps have been helpful to Skarek.
He got to see what veteran goalies Ilya Sorokin and Semyon Varlamov could do. He picked up a lot from his fellow European netminders.
“[Varlamov] and Sorokin are great guys to learn from,” Skarek said. “I’m fortunate that I was learning Russian at school so I can speak a little Russian with them, mine isn’t that great so it’s just a little small talk, but they both know English pretty well so it’s great to get advice from them, especially [Varlamov]. We discuss things on and off the ice. Great goalies, and great people.”
Skarek speaks many languages besides English and Russian. He knows six languages including his native Czech, Swedish, Slovakian, and Finnish.
During this past summer, Skarek delayed signing his tender offer before finally agreeing to a two-year extension with the Islanders organization. Now he is trying to prove he can be a great AHL goalie with the potential to move up to the next level.
Skarek has always believed in hard work throughout his career. “My dad told me if you want to be better than everyone else, you have to work as much as they do and then work even harder,” Skarek said. “My goal coming to the rink every day is just to work hard, fight for every shot on the ice.”
Path To Success
Skarek has the size and quickness to be a quality goaltender. He also has a history of playing well in big games both in Europe and North America. The issue for Skarek to be more consistent. If he can do that, his future in pro hockey will remain bright.
If he continues to play well this season, he should get the majority of starts for the Bridgeport Islanders and be the uncontested number one goalie. Starting five of the team’s first seven games means the job is his to lose.
Now he has the chance to prove himself. The success of the Bridgeport Islanders season may very well turn on how well Skarek performs between the pipes. He needs to turn this strong start into a strong season.
