Semyon Varlamov is set to make his first NHL start and appearance since Nov. 29, 2024 when the New York Islanders face the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night. For a 38-year-old goalie who has battled through double partial knee replacement surgeries, it is a significant return and an important early-season option for the Islanders.
The timing also gives the Islanders a useful decision in their third game of the season. Ilya Sorokin started the first two, including Saturday’s 6-0 win against the New Jersey Devils in which he made 37 saves, but Peter DeBoer has made clear that he does not want to push one goalie too hard this early.
DeBoer: a fine line between rest and rhythm
DeBoer said Varlamov “played really well in preseason” and that he is “ready to go.” He also explained the balance he is trying to strike with Sorokin, saying he does not want to overplay him, but also does not want him sitting for two or three weeks and going in cold. “There’s a fine line there,” DeBoer said.
That is the practical reality for the Islanders. It is early enough in the schedule that one start does not define a rotation, but it is also a divisional game on a big stage, and the Islanders appear comfortable trusting Varlamov again after such a long absence.
A comeback teammates clearly feel
The reaction around the room suggests this is more than just a routine lineup move. Jean-Gabriel Pageau said everybody around the team felt Varlamov’s determination and commitment, describing the sense that he would do it. He added that it was fun to watch and be part of the journey, and that the group is happy he is now healthy and ready to roll.
Bo Horvat called the return a “phenomenal story,” pointing to what Varlamov went through in coming back after both knees were done. Horvat said the team really wants to get this one for him against the Rangers.
Why this matters for the Islanders
There is a clear hockey reason this matters beyond the human story. DeBoer said he really believes the Islanders now have two very good goalies, and if Varlamov plays the way he expects as the season goes on, the team should feel comfortable using both netminders in any building and in any divisional game.
That is a valuable position to be in so early in the season. Sorokin has already shown sharp form, while Varlamov’s brief work in April with Bridgeport of the American Hockey League, plus his preseason outing against the Rangers on Sept. 22, gave the Islanders a chance to see him in game action again. He made 10 saves in that preseason relief appearance and, after everything he has been through, simply getting back into an NHL crease is the headline.
For the Islanders, Tuesday is about more than just points. It is about another usable option returning to the lineup, and about seeing how Varlamov handles his first NHL start in nearly two years against a familiar divisional opponent.
