Varlamov's attraction to join the Islanders was influenced by the lights out performances from both Greiss and Robin Lehner, who shared the pipes during the 2018-19 regular season. Greiss compiled a 23-14-2 record, with a 2.28 GAA, a .927 SV% and five shutouts, while Lehner registered a 25-13-5 record, a 2.13 GAA, .930 SV% and six shutouts and received the starting nod for all eight postseason games. The duo earned the William M. Jennings Trophy, for fewest goals against, while Lehner was nominated for the Vezina Trophy. Greiss and Lehner were just the latest success stories for Korn and Greco and Varlamov is eager to have the Isles coaches help him connect the dots.
"I am very excited to start working with them and learn something new," Varlamov said. "I'm 31, I'm still open to learn something because the league is changing, the game is changing, so goalies need to come up with some new ideas. I know we can trust these two guys and they are going to help us improve our game."
7 FACTS: SEMYON VARLAMOV | DERICK BRASSARD
Greiss isn't the sole early arrival to Long Island to welcome Varlamov to the club and join him for on-ice sessions and workouts; Thomas Hickey and Matt Martin spent their summers on Long Island and are now getting back into the routine of hockey season with informal skates. For a blueliner like Hickey, he can attest to the importance of getting extra time with both netminders and also helping Varlamov acclimate to his new surroundings.
"It's good to have both goalies here actually," Hickey said. "I think Greisser has a good rapport with everyone and especially other goalies. I think that's unique. They seem to get along really well. [Varlamov] is a big guy. It's tough to tell in practice, but he's obviously got that resume that speaks for itself. [Goalies] are all hard to score on for me, but he's a good goaltender. I think he'll bring a lot of good stuff for us this year. He seems like he's more dynamic than your average goaltender in the league. That athleticism and his track record will be a great addition for us."