Varlamov Out of COVID-19 Protocol, Returns to New York Islanders

Prior to practice on Monday in Seattle, the New York Islanders announced that goaltender Semyon Varlamov was out of COVID-19 protocol. Goaltender Cory Schneider was returned to Bridgeport (AHL).

After Semyon Varlamov led the New York Islanders out for warmups and took warmups prior to a game against the Flames in Calgary on Saturday, Feb. 12, he did not come out with his teammates for the start of the game. Ilya Sorokin took the position between the pipes and got the start.

During the first period, the New York Islanders announced that Varlamov had been placed in COVID-19 protocol.

Following Varlamov’s initial positive test, there was no news on the result of his second test following the game Islanders head coach Barry Trotz said.

A dead giveaway that Varlamov’s second test came back positive was the emergency call-up of goaltender Cory Schneider from Bridgeport (AHL) on Feb. 14.

Per the province of Alberta, Varlamov had to remain in Canada for seven days (day zero, 5 days in protocol) before he could leave Canada.

The New York Islanders announced that Varlamov was back on Long Island on Saturday, Feb. 19, but was still in protocol. Given his ability to cross the border back into the United States, it is safe to assume that he was asymptomatic.

Varlamov missed three games while in protocol, a 6-3 loss to Buffalo, a 4-1 win over Boston, and a 3-2 shootout loss to Montreal.

Sorokin started all three games and has started the last six games for the New York Islanders, including both of a back-to-back situation (2-3-1).

Sorokin has started the last six games for the New York Islanders and with a five-game road trip about to start with the final three games against playoff teams, Varlamov could be in net on Tuesday against the Kraken.

Semyon Varlamov has made 13 starts this season, 15 appearances, and owns a .916 SV% with a 2.57 GAA.

Despite the mediocre 2021-22 numbers (3-9-1, 2.57 GAA, .916 SV%), Varlamov has recorded a 2.22 GAA with a .923 SV% over his last five games.