Varlamov To Make First Regular Season Home Start Since Nov. 25, 2024 When Islanders Host Kings

ELMONT, NY -- Semyon Varlamov will start when the New York Islanders host the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night.

After playing his first two games of his comeback tour on the road, Thursday marks his first regular season game in front of the crowd since Nov. 25, 2024, a 4-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. 

It's going to be a special evening. 

"I wanted to get him into a home game," Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer said. "We want to keep them playing on a regular basis. I think that's the important part, both for Ilya, but also because he deserves to. He gave us a great game last game. Even in game one, he was good considering the circumstances. He's going to be a big part of any success we have going forward here."

Varlamov stopped 19 of 22 in a 5-2 loss against the New York Rangers on Oct. 6, before stopping 19 of 20 in a 2-1 shootout loss against the Ottawa Senators on Oct. 15.

Teammate Kyle Palmieri is hoping Varlamov gets a loud ovation, which he will.

"I hope it's awesome. I think he played really well in his first game there in New York, and then I thought he was unreal in Ottawa," Palmieri said. "I think our home fans will be excited to see him back there, and I'm sure it'll be a lot of emotions for him as well. Hopefully his kids will be here for it. I think he's had a couple of kids since the last time he started at home. I'm hoping they'll be in attendance. And yeah, he's a guy who's deserving of everything, and hopefully, we will find a way to get the job done for him tonight."

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