The New York Islanders are preparing for a crucial game against the New Jersey Devils with a chance to secure third place in the Metropolitan Division and a spot in the postseason. Head coach Patrick Roy has decided to stick with goaltender Semyon Varlamov, who has been in excellent form, losing just one game in regulation over the last month. Despite Ilya Sorokin’s recent strong performances, Varlamov’s performance has been too good to overlook in such an important game.
Varlamov has been on a hot streak since March 10, with a record of 7-1-1 in nine starts and an impressive save percentage of .928, second only to Carolina’s Frederik Andersen. His .875 save percentage in high-danger situations is also among the best in the league, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Having two top goaltenders in Varlamov and Sorokin heading into the playoffs could be a beneficial situation for the Islanders as they aim to make a deep postseason run.
Roy’s trust in Varlamov is well-deserved, as the goaltender has a history of performing at a high level when he is focused and determined to win. Roy and Varlamov previously worked together in Denver with the Avalanche, and the coach knows firsthand the level of commitment and skill Varlamov brings to the ice. Varlamov’s passion for winning and his consistency in performance make him a reliable choice for the Islanders as they approach a crucial game against the Devils.
Injury concerns continue for the Islanders as defenseman Noah Dobson remains day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Roy did not provide specific details about Dobson’s condition, joking that he might get fired if he disclosed whether Dobson had been skating on his own. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Dobson’s availability, the Islanders have maintained the same lineup configuration from their previous game against the Rangers, with Hudson Fasching sticking with Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri on the second line.
In addition to Dobson’s injury, forward Kyle MacLean left practice early due to illness. However, Roy expressed confidence that MacLean would be ready to play in the upcoming game against the Devils on Monday. The Islanders will need all hands on deck as they look to secure their spot in the postseason and build momentum heading into the playoffs. With Varlamov leading the way in goal and the team showing resilience despite injuries, the Islanders are poised to make a strong push for success in the final stretch of the regular season and beyond.
