ELMONT, N.Y. — Semyon Varlamov made 44 saves for the New York Islanders in a 2-1 overtime win against the Vegas Golden Knights at UBS Arena on Saturday.
Varlamov made four saves in overtime, including stopping William Carrier on a penalty shot 26 seconds into the period.
“It’s nerve-racking I think for both of us, for the shooter and for the goalie,” Varlamov said. “Goalie doesn’t want to give one up, shooter wants to score, so I mean, I’m glad everything worked out for me. I was pretty happy to make that save.”
Said Carrier: “I didn’t expect him to come out that far. [I] was going [with] the same shot when I scored (in the second period). I think he read me pretty well there. If someone had to pick a shootout, [they] probably wouldn’t pick me first. Let’s not kid ourselves. I’d rather [have] the 4-on-3 next time.”
Video: VGK@NYI: Barzal fires in OT winner from the circle
Mathew Barzal won it for New York with 32 seconds remaining in overtime when he faked a one-timer, skated into the top of the right circle, and shot blocker on the side. Logan Thompson.
It was Barzal’s first goal since Jan. 5 (11 games).
“It was great to see him score,” Islanders coach Lane Lambert said. “He’s had some opportunities over this stretch. … He put himself in a position tonight, and he shot the puck, and he got rewarded for it.”
Anders Lee also scored for the Islanders (25-22-5), who were coming off a 2-0 win against the Detroit Red Wings on Friday.
“That was huge,” Barzal said. “It kind of puts us right back in the hunt, so I’m sure we’re going to be hungry to have a good start after the [All-Star] break.”
Video: VGK@NYI: Varlamov makes stick save on Smith
Carrier scored, and Thompson made 35 saves for the Golden Knights (29-18-4), who were also playing the second of a back-to-back following a 4-1 loss at the New York Rangers on Friday.
Vegas is 0-2-2 in its past four games and 1-5-2 in its past eight.
“We played a really good hockey game,” Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said. “Left a point on the table, obviously, but not through a lack of effort. Competing the right way and … all the things you’re looking for. Obviously, right now we’re having trouble finishing some plays, but if we keep that kind of effort to keep the puck out of our net, we’re going to be fine in the long run.”
Lee gave the Islanders a 1-0 lead at 3:52 of the second period. Kyle Palmieri fell down as he was cutting towards the net, and Lee shot the loose puck into the net past the glove of Thompson.
Varlamov then kept the Islanders in front at 5:50 when he made a highlight-reel save. With the Golden Knights skating in on a 4-on-3 rush during a power play, he reached back with his stick and denied. Reilly Smith a shot into an open net.
“I got lucky,” Varlamov said. “The whole net was open and it happens like once a year. You shoot there 100 times, probably you’re going to score 99 out of 100. But I’m glad I made that save. I mean, it was unbelievable.
“It feels amazing, it feels unreal. It’s like one of those saves you make once a year. I’m glad I made a save. It was important, like in the right moment.”
Video: VGK@NYI: Lee puts a loose puck into the back of the net
Carrier tied it 1-1 at 16:08 of the second. He scored on a one-timer from all alone in front after Chandler Stephenson won a puck battle below the goal line.
Carrier has scored an NHL career-high 12 goals in 45 games this season. His previous career high was nine, which he scored in 63 games last season.
“Most of my goals are [within] 5 feet of the net, right?” Carrier said.
Video: VGK@NYI: Varlamov stops Carrier’s penalty shot in OT
Varlamov made another key save with 9:44 remaining in the third period to keep the game tied. Smith slid the puck out along the boards to the defenseman Ben Huttonwho skated all alone into the slot but had his wrist shot denied by the blocker of Varlamov.
“I made some key saves in the right moments tonight,” Varlamov said. “That’s what goalies should do in big games like that. Thompson played an unbelievable game as well, so got to give him credit.
“It was an important win for me (first since Dec. 17, also against the Golden Knights), for the team. I felt really good today, especially playing two nights ago (36 saves in a 2-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators ). I felt like I had a better energy today, my conditioning was better. … I’m glad I won.”
NOTES: New York and Vegas were each playing their final game before the All-Star break. … Lee has scored four goals in his past four games. … Palmieri has four assists in four games since returning from an upper-body injury. … Islanders forward Brock Nelson had the secondary assist on Lee’s goal and has seven points (four goals, three assists) during a six-game point streak.
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