With the Islanders in control of their own destiny, Roy is going back to Varlamov against the Devils.
EAST MEADOW, NY -- It was a sure positive for the New York Islanders to see Ilya Sorokin get back to his old ways against the New York Rangers on Saturday afternoon, who made 41 saves in a 3-2 shootout loss.
It was a monumental game as the Islanders had a chance to clinch a playoff spot, which they ultimately didn't due to their failure to get two points and Saturday night's out-of-town scoreboard.
“I had zero concerns going with Sorokin. I was not even nervous because he played really well against Chicago and Columbus. I mean, it's just that Varly has been red hot for us. That's all it is. But like I said before, I'm gonna continue to say the same thing. We're very fortunate to have two very good goaltenders.”
With the Islanders having the chance to clinch a playoff spot on Monday night against the New Jersey Devils, third-place in the Metropolitan Division with a win, Roy has decided to go back to his hotter goalie, Semyon Varlamov.
Varlamov has started four of the last five games with a 4-0-0 record, owning a 1.74 GAA, a .943 SV%, and one shutout.
Monday will be his first time playing the Devils this season, with Sorokin getting all three games this year, in which the Islanders have gone 0-2-1.
The last time Varlamov faced the Devils was on Dec. 9, 2022, stopping 25 of 29 in a 5-2 win.
"I'm preparing the same for every game. I don't change anything," Varlamov told The Hockey News. "I'm just focusing on my game and just going out there and just trying to battle every game."
The focus is on winning and Roy mentioned after Sunday's skate that the goal is to lock up the third seed.
"It's right there," Roy said. The focus is on playing every game. And now that is there...I mean, we still have to focus on the game. I just want to make sure that we focus on playing a good game tomorrow. We play as a team that is fast, a team that has been playing some good hockey, and we're gonna have to be ready for them."
Puck drop is slated for 7 PM ET at Prudential Center.