Is this the save of the season? New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov saves SOMEHOW with an amazing paddling block against Vegas’ Reilly Smith
New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov stretched his right arm out as best he could to save on Vegas Golden Knights left wing Reilly Smith.
Varlamov stretched his goalkeeping stick after a cross pass from William Carrier, with the score remaining 14:11 in the second period.
When the pass got to Smith, Varlamov raised his paddle and tipped the puck – preventing it from going into the net – in an amazing save-of-the-year caliber performance.
New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov, 40, made an amazing save Saturday night
Varlamov held out his stick to stop the shot from Golden Knights left winger Reilly Smith
Varlamov took that effort into overtime as the Isles were able to keep things closed throughout the game.
In overtime, Islanders center Mathew Barzal fired a shot from the left circle that went over goaltender Logan Thompson’s stickside to secure a 2-1 win for the Islanders.
Varlamov finished the night with 44 saves on 45 shots with a .978 save on the evening.
Varlamov ended the night with a win and 44 saves to his name, along with a .978 percent save
It was a much-needed shot in the arm for the Islanders, who still hold onto some hope that they can secure one last wildcard spot in the tough Eastern Conference.
They currently have 55 points and a 25-22-5 record, which puts them two points behind the second wildcard position currently held by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
However, the Islanders have played 52 games so far this season — with the Penguins and Buffalo Sabers sitting by several games ahead of them.