Semyon Varlamov hasn’t started three straight games for the first time in exactly two years, but he could have a chance to start Monday night in Philadelphia.
In his press conference after Saturday’s loss to the Lightning, Islanders coach Patrick Roy said he hadn’t yet decided who would start in front of goal against the Flyers, but if he believes Varlamov can handle the workload. There were no problems. The goaltender’s play during the 4-1 loss suggested he was missing hot hands.
“He was outstanding,” Roy said of Varlamov. Varlamov finished the night with 36 saves in a field that tended to be poor. “In the first period, we conceded a lot of chances. He kept us in the game. In the second period, we didn’t concede as many chances, but he kept us in the game. , made a big save.”
Ilya Sorokin has struggled to start the last few games and returning him in a must-win situation could be a risk.
Sorokin’s ceiling is arguably one of the best in the league, but Varlamov has seemed to be a better goaltender lately, being more aggressive in the crease and rebounding less.
He also simply stops the puck at a higher rate, posting a .916 save percentage in his last five starts compared to Sorokin’s .875.
“I hope Varley is happy with himself,” Roy said. “I don’t think he was affected because you want to give your team a chance to win.” [by losing]. He shouldn’t be affected by this. ”
Roy seemed to like Sunday’s game when he swapped defensive pairings, with Alexander Romanov returning to Noah Dobson’s left, Adam Pelech and Ryan Purok reuniting, and Mike Riley skating with Robert Bortuzzo. .
“Noah and Romy played really well the last 40 minutes,” he said. “I’m glad Perry and Pulley are together.”
The Islanders’ back-to-back games against the Flyers, which begin Monday, will be their last of the season.
They play Chicago on Tuesday, the second end of a back-to-back this season and have yet to win in their first nine games.
The Blackhawks have already defeated them this season, winning in overtime in head coach Lane Lambert’s final game on Jan. 19.
The Islanders did not practice Sunday as they flew to Philadelphia.
