Islanders goalie Semyon Varlamov disappointed that his 600th game wasn't a winning one
Semyon Varlamov of the Islanders makes a save during the second period against the Flames at UBS Arena on Saturday. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Semyon Varlamov wanted the win, not just the milestone.
The goalie made his 600th NHL appearance in the Islanders’ 5-2 loss to the Flames on Saturday afternoon at UBS Arena. The 35-year-old Russian, in his 15th NHL season, is 54th on the league’s netminder list for games played.
“It’s a pretty good number for a goalie,” said Varlamov, who made 19 saves. “I’m happy to get the number but I’m disappointed we lost today. The most important thing was to get the win. Unfortunately, we didn’t do it.”
Varlamov, making his first appearance since Jan. 27 because of the extended All-Star break, is 6-6-3 with a 2.90 goals-against average and .912 save percentage.
His coach, Patrick Roy, is third on the list with 1,029 games, one of four to surpass 1,000 along with Martin Brodeur (1,266), Roberto Luongo (1,044) and Marc-Andre Fleury (1,009).
“I was with [Varlamov] in Colorado and I appreciate what he did for us over there,” Roy said. “He’s such a great teammate.”
Isles files
Defenseman Alexander Romanov (lower body) is day-to-day. Sebastian Aho drew in after being a healthy scratch the previous two games, logging 18:45 while paired with Noah Dobson and getting caught behind the net on the Flames’ third goal. “He did OK,” Roy said. “That third goal was simply bad luck for him. Could he be faster in that passing lane? Probably yes.’’ . . . Right wing Oliver Wahlstrom logged 10:23 without a shot as he was skipped in the rotation in the second and third periods. “I was looking for a goal,” Roy said. “He didn’t have his best game.’’ . . . The Islanders’ 18 third-period shots matched their season high for shots in any period . . . Right wings Mathew Barzal and Kyle Palmieri extended their point streaks to five games with an assist each.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
