NY Islanders G Semyon Varlamov inspires team during perfect return to NHL ice

New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov returned to game action on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden after a lengthy recovery from knee surgery. Entering midway through the preseason contest against the New York Rangers, the 38-year-old stopped all 10 shots he faced as the Islanders rallied from a 3-0 deficit to secure a 4-3 victory.

The appearance marked Varlamov's first NHL game since November 2024, ending an absence of nearly two years. Despite entering the game cold without his usual starting routine, Varlamov expressed excitement and noted that his nerves settled after making his initial saves.