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Is this the save of the season? New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov SOMEHOW denies Las Vegas’ Reilly Smith with an incredible paddle block
New York Islanders goalie Semyon Varlamov stretched out his right arm as best he could to make a fantastic save on Vegas Golden Knights left winger Reilly Smith.
Varlamov pulled his keeper after a cross from William Carrier with 14:11 remaining in the second half.
As the pass reached Smith, Varlamov lifted the paddle and tipped the puck, preventing it from going into the net, in an amazing save-of-the-year caliber effort.
New York Islanders goalie Semyon Varlamov (40) made an incredible save on Saturday night
Varlamov extended his stick to stop a shot from Golden Knights left winger Reilly Smith.
Varlamov carried that effort into overtime, as the Isles were able to keep things close throughout the game.
In overtime, Islanders center Mathew Barzal blasted a shot from left circle past goaltender Logan Thompson’s stick to secure a 2–1 Islanders win.
Varlamov finished the night with 44 saves on 45 shots with a .978 save percentage on the night.
Varlamov finished the night with a win and 44 saves to his name, along with a .978 save percentage.
It was a much-needed blow for the Islanders, who are still hoping they can clinch one last wild-card berth in the tough Eastern Conference.
They currently have 55 points and a 25-22-5 record, which puts them within two points of the second wild card seed, which is currently held by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
However, the Islanders have played 52 games so far this season, with the Penguins and Buffalo Sabers sitting ahead of them with multiple games on hand.