Any Blame on Semyon Varlamov For Last Night's Islanders Loss is Misguided

Last night, the New York Islanders lost to the Colorado Avalanche 5-4. It was a weird game, considering it was 1-1 after two periods of play and then the third period saw seven goals scored combined for both teams.

Most people, realize that even though there is a five spot on the scoreboard, Semyon Varlamov was not the problem, far from it actually.

Varly stopped 44 of 49 shots and stood on his head for New York, especially in the second period. The only reason the Av's didn't put up a 10 spot on the Islanders was because Semyon Varlamov was making big save after big save, just like this one:

Yes, the third period was a meltdown but it wasn't because of the play in net. In fact, before the goals started pouring in Varlamov bailed the Islanders out on the penalty kill with numerous big saves before Nathan MacKinnon scored off of JG Pageau's leg and in.

For some reason there was some hate for Varlamov on social media today. Not from everyone, I think most know the deal but still it's extremely misguided hate.

Hell, even Barry Trotz called him the best player on the ice last night:

Yes, Semyon Varlamov's 2022 season has been extremely disappointing but that wasn't the case against Colorado. He has a .911 save percentage and a 2.90 goals against average, In 16 starts he is just 3-12-1 on the season, which is a long way removed from the .929 save percentage with seven shutouts that we saw last year.

Semyon Varlamov still might be a trade chip for New York at the deadline. If a team is desperate for a goalie, looking at you Edmonton, they may give off draft capital in order to get an experienced goalie in there.

In his NHL career, Varly has 58 starts in the playoffs and has a .919 save percentage and a 2.42 goals against average.