NY Islanders G Semyon Varlamov inspires team during perfect return to NHL ice

It was only a preseason game. For Semyon Varlamov, it felt like considerably more than that.

Varlamov returned to NHL game action Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, taking over in goal midway through the Islanders' 4-3 preseason victory over the New York Rangers after a lengthy recovery from knee surgery. He made all 10 saves as the Isles' scored four consecutive goals after trailing 3-0 to rally for the win against their cross-town rivals.

"Very exciting," Varlamov said. "I haven't played for a while in this league and then, you know, for me it was a very special moment."

The 38-year-old entered the game cold rather than getting his usual pregame routine as a starter. That only added another challenge to a night already carrying plenty of emotion.

Varlamov acknowledged feeling some nerves while waiting on the bench but tried not to think too much about what was coming.

"My job was just go out there and then make saves," Varlamov said. "When I had to go in, you know, it's a little bit nervous, which is fine. But yeah, like after I made the first few saves, I felt good."

Getting to those first few saves has taken Varlamov months of rehabilitation and uncertainty.

He has undergone two partial knee replacements in an effort to continue his career, making Tuesday another significant checkpoint in a comeback that has impressed those around the Islanders throughout training camp.

Coach Pete DeBoer called Varlamov's performance "really impressive" considering both his recovery and the difficult circumstances of entering halfway through a game.

"To play like he did, you know, I think it's inspirational to our group," DeBoer said.

Varlamov wasn't interested in dismissing the night because it happened in September.

"I know it's not a regular season game, it's a preseason, but like as a goalie, there's no easy games out there," he said. "It doesn't matter, like, you're playing preseason or regular season game or playoffs."

For Varlamov, Tuesday wasn't about the standings. It was about being an NHL goaltender again.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow