IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Oct 6, 2026 2:52 PM
After enduring two grueling knee replacements, the veteran netminder returns to Madison Square Garden to test his remarkable recovery against a familiar rival in a high-stakes showdown.
NEW YORK, NY -- New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov is expected to make his first NHL start since Nov. 29, 2024, when he takes the crease against the New York Rangers on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.
He did not take part in the Islanders' morning skate as he took his option. Ilya Sorokin and emergency backup netminder Tom Sullivan hit the ice this morning.
Varlamov, 38, has missed the last year and a half while recovering from two partial knee replacements.
With one season left on his $2.75 million-per-year contract, the grizzled veteran wasn't ready to hang up his skates, undergoing grueling physical therapy after a risky surgery to return to NHL form.
In two preseason games, Varlamov turned aside x of x. He backed up starting netminder Ilya Sorokin in the Islanders' 2-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs last Wednesday and their 6-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday.
Varlamov has owned the Rangers at MSG over his career:
Puck drop between the Islanders and Rangers comes your way at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN.
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