NY Islanders nearly blow it in Nashville but Varlamov gets his long-awaited win

For a while Tuesday night, it looked like the New York Islanders were going to cruise to an easy win in Nashville. Three goals up, everything clicking offensively, and Semyon Varlamov looking comfortable between the pipes.

Then things got interesting. A little too interesting.

The Islanders watched a 3-0 lead disappear before escaping Bridgestone Arena with a 4-3 shootout victory over the Predators, giving Varlamov his first NHL win since November 14, 2024.

And considering everything the 38-year-old has been through, that was the story of the night.

After undergoing partial replacements of both knees and battling his way back to the NHL, Varlamov finally got his moment. He stopped 20 shots before Kyle Palmieri and Bo Horvat delivered in the shootout.

The Islanders certainly made him work for it.

Anthony Duclair opened the scoring just over three minutes into the game, redirecting a Jean-Gabriel Pageau feed. Brayden Schenn doubled the lead five minutes later, tapping home his 300th career NHL goal.

Horvat made it 3-0 early in the second period, finishing a beautiful cross-ice pass from Matthew Schaefer.

At that point, the Islanders appeared firmly in control.

But Nashville wasn't finished.

Filip Forsberg scored on the power play, Alexander Kerfoot cut the deficit to one, and Ryan O'Reilly completed the comeback early in the third period.

Suddenly, what looked like two easy points became a fight just to salvage the night.

The Islanders ultimately prevailed, improving to 6-4-2 and bouncing back from Sunday's loss in Dallas.

There are certainly concerns about surrendering another third-period lead, and Pete DeBoer won't be thrilled with how his team handled a three-goal cushion.

But on this night, the Islanders found a way.

And Varlamov, after nearly two years without an NHL victory, finally had another win to celebrate.

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