Semyon VarlamovAPCoach Barry Trotz has been clear since the start of the postseason that he would make lineup choices based upon his evaluation of each video game, how a series is going and how each gamer is performing. Its safe to state that Varlamov, whos started all 10 video games the Islanders have played this postseason, has actually passed every examination.
According to a team release, just 20 percent of Islanders season tickets remain offered for the inaugural 2021-22 season at UBS Arena at Belmont Park.
” Were playing well defensively, of course Im going to mention that,” Varlamov stated on a Zoom call following the win. It feels excellent to get back-to-back shutouts, but at this point its not about nothings. Its playoff hockey so for me the most important thing is to get the win and get all set for the next game.
Derick Brassard was noted as a healthy scratch for the 2nd straight game.
” I think everyone is prepared,” Trotz said. “Its really easy, I think the gamers get all the credit for that since they prepare and they understand if they enter the lineup they can contribute and they can be a favorable impact on the result of a video game.
Clutterbuck was reinserted into the lineup in his normal fourth line role, while Leo Komarov was bumped back up to the 3rd line. Ross Johnston stayed in on the third line, while Michael Dal Colle was removed after making his postseason launching in Game 5 versus Washington.
” I think what we want to do is take it one game at a time,” Trotz said on a Zoom call prior to Game 1. In some cases you attempt to remain with the hot hand a bit longer and thats sort of what we did throughout the year, we split them up and then weve ridden people for 4 or five video games and then switched back. Theres some guys that are mentally remaining in even if they havent gotten a chance in a game.
With two sets of back-to-back games scheduled for the best-of-seven series, Trotz would not devote to sticking with Varlamov the whole way. There might be a scenario where Trotz will decide to opt for Thomas Greiss instead.
The arena has actually sold more than one-third of its suite stock in the last 2 weeks, while the organization has dedications from 10,000 season-ticket holders.
With 29 saves in a 4-0 thrashing of the Flyers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Monday night, Varlamov collected his 4th career playoff shutout as he blanked the Islanders second straight opponent following another 4-0 win over the Capitals to liquidate their first-round series last week.
” I feel comfortable with our goaltending even if I understand both these goaltenders and their abilities. Sometimes you try to stick with the hot hand a little longer whichs sort of what we did throughout the year, we divided them up and then weve ridden guys for 4 or five video games and after that switched back. That gives me a convenience level that is indisputable with both those guys.”
” I think what we desire to do is take it one game at a time,” Trotz said on a Zoom call prior to Game 1. “I feel very blessed that we have 2 goaltenders who can jump in there if anything happens. We have back-to-backs so those decisions might enter play too.
Semyon Varlamov had not signed up a playoff shutout because 2009, however now hes taped two in the span of 4 days.
Varlamov has been the Islanders starting goaltender because getting here in the Toronto bubble, however a heavy schedule for their second-round series might open a door for a modification in net.
The players get all the credit for that, theyre preparing, theyre all set. Theres some men that are psychologically remaining in even if they havent gotten an opportunity in a video game.
Trotz made some changes to the lineup Monday as fourth-line winger Cal Clutterbuck ended up being available after taking a low hit in Game 4 of the opening series and missing Game 5 against the Capitals.
” Were playing well defensively, of course Im going to mention that,” Varlamov said on a Zoom call following the win. Its playoff hockey so for me the most crucial thing is to get the win and get ready for the next video game.
Both goaltenders divided the routine season fairly uniformly, with Varlamov earning 39 starts compared to Greiss 28. But Trotz provided the postseason starting nod to Varlamov, who hasnt offered any reason to make a change after limiting teams to simply two goals or fewer in 8 of his 10 starts.
” Of course Im fired up about it, Im not going to lie, however it is what it is.”
