After not dressing in Tuesday's game against the Washington Capitals, due to "soreness," Varlamov was excellent in his return. The 33-year-old set a new career-high with his sixth shutout of the season, three of which have come against the Rangers. In the process Varlamov became the first goalie in the NHL to record three shutouts against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
While the Islanders were dominant early in the game, Varlamov came up with timely saves at vital points. In addition to the early stop on Strome, Varlamov also held off a Mika Zibanejad shorthanded chance.
In the second period, the Russian netminder continued his sharp game as he seemed to stop - and visibly see - everything that came his way. Midway through the period, Varlamov gloved a Zibanejad one-timer from the right faceoff circle. Late in the period, and after holding off the Rangers' power play unit, Varlamov made key stops as he gloved a chance from Kevin Rooney at the right faceoff circle and denied a wrist shot from Vitali Kravtsov.
While the Islanders largely held control of the third period, the Rangers chances came in waves and often with scrambles around the net front, but Varlamov was solid in the period to preserve the shutout.
With the win, Varlamov improved his record to 18-9-4 and has recorded a shutout in consecutive games, dating back to a 1-0 shootout loss on April 22.