Islanders' Semyon Varlamov named NHL's third star of the week
Semyon Varlamov #40 of the New York Islanders makes a save during the second period against the New York Rangers at Nassau Coliseum on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Semyon Varlamov was named the NHL’s third star of the week on Monday after the Islanders goalie had back-to-back shutouts and set the team record for longest shutout streak.
Thomas Greiss, Varlamov’s partner last season, was the league’s first star after also recording two shutouts for the Red Wings. The Oilers’ Connor McDavid, who had four goals and six assists in four games, was the second star.
Varlamov stopped all 53 combined shots in a 4-0 win over the Rangers on Thursday at Madison Square Garden and a 3-0 win on Saturday at Nassau Coliseum.
He had his shutout streak finally end at 248:00 in Monday night’s 4-2 loss in Buffalo. That eclipsed Chico Resch’s old club mark of 178:29, set in 1975-76.
Pageau out
Jean-Gabriel Pageau was held out Monday after missing most of Saturday’s third period with what coach Barry Trotz described as a strain. Travis Zajac, a healthy scratch the previous two games, took Pageau’s spot centering the third line.
But Trotz expects Pageau back for Tuesday night’s rematch in Buffalo.
"It’s just something minor," said Trotz, who does not anticipate resting healthy regulars even with a playoff spot clinched. "He should be able to go tomorrow."
Isles files
Brock Nelson played in his 600th career game. He became the 16th skater to play in at least that many for the Islanders…Rookie goalie Ilya Sorokin is expected to start on Tuesday…The Sabres successfully challenged that Casey Cizikas interfered with goalie Michael Houser on an apparent goal 35 seconds into the second period, despite defenseman William Borgen pushing Cizikas into Houser. "They felt (Cizikas) had time to get out," Trotz said… Defenseman Ryan Pulock was caught in the Islanders’ zone for a second-period shift that lasted three minutes, nine seconds…Josh Bailey’s assist gave him five in his last three games.
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.
