New York Islanders Five Bold Predictions for 2019-20 NHL Season

5 of 6

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 23: Semyon Varlamov #40 of the New York Islanders tends net against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum on September 23, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Varlamov to Average a 0.925 SV%

Semyon Varlamov has to think that coming to the New York Islanders can get him back to where he used to be. And there’s a good reason to think he can.

With the New York Islanders, this season Semyon Varlamov can get to a 0.925SV%. Something he hasn’t been able to do since 2013-14.

We all saw how powerful the combination of Barry Trotz and Mitch Korn can be. We saw it with Thomas Greiss and Robin Lehner. Both who had awful years before Trotz and Korn. The same can be said for Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby.

Before Trotz and Korn arrived in 2014-15 Holby averaged a 0.915SV% and 2.85 GAA. With Trotz and Korn by his side for four years, Holtby averaged a 0.919SV% only once falling below a 0.922SV%.

Coming to the New York Islanders is exactly what the doctor ordered to get a goalie back to his best form. Sure, Varlamov had a rough year with a 0.909SV% and 2.87GAA with the Colorado Avalanche, but he’s still averaged a 0.916SV% over his career. He’s a good goalie.

With the defensive system that the Islanders employe, it’s easy to think that Semyon Varlamov will benefit. Making up 16 percentage points on his save percentage from last season is achievable for Varlamov. Even though we all think the Islanders will take a slight step back defensively this year in order to create more offense.