Islanders: Five questions that need answering after the all-star break

3 of 6

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – JANUARY 06: Semyon Varlamov #40 of the New York Islanders tends net against the Colorado Avalanche during the first period at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum on January 06, 2020 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

2. Which goalie will earn the number one starter role?

For a few weeks, it looked like Semyon Varlamov would be the number one starter, but he has tailed off and, quite frankly, I think he has looked weak.

His statistics so far this season have him ranked 23rd in SV% with a .915, and 22nd in GAA, with a 2.59. These are middle of the road at best and almost identical to his career stats of a .916SV% and 2.67GAA.

Thomas Griess is 13th in the NHL with a SV% of .925, and 12th in GAA of 2.43. I think he has looked better than Varlamov over the last month after he took a bit of slide.

But the question is, does Trotz make a decision to play his better goalie, Griess in my opinion, or continue alternating goalies the rest of the way.

The Islanders seemed at their best when they could alternate between goalies. It’s clearly not Barry Trotz’s preferred setup. But until they get a goalie who can start 50+ games, alternating between his two guys might just be the best solution.

Home/Editorials