Photo credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Semyon Varlamov was back on the ice Monday, and Patrick Roy suddenly has another crease option as the New York Islanders push through the final stretch.
The veteran goalie took part in practice, a notable step after weeks of uncertainty around his health.
Roy recently confirmed Varlamov underwent two knee replacements, which makes any return to full activity a significant development inside the Islanders locker room.
Now the focus shifts to how quickly the 37-year-old can ramp things up.
Varlamov hasn't played much this season. He's appeared in 10 games and holds a 3-4-3 record.
His 2.89 goals-against average reflects a limited workload, but the Islanders have never viewed him as just another depth goalie.
They trust his experience.
Patrick Roy suddenly has a crease decision
Getting Varlamov back on the ice gives Roy something every playoff coach wants late in the season.
Options.
The Islanders are sitting at 81 points through 67 games, right in the middle of a tight Eastern Conference race where every point matters.
One injury or one rough stretch in net can flip a playoff picture quickly.
That's where Varlamov could quietly matter.
Even if he doesn't start games immediately, simply having a veteran goaltender available changes how Roy can manage the crease.
The Islanders have allowed 191 goals this season, a number that shows they've stayed competitive most nights.
But the final weeks of the schedule can grind down even the most reliable starters.
A healthy Varlamov gives Roy a safety valve.
It also adds a layer of playoff insurance.
Varlamov has handled postseason pressure before over his NHL career, and that kind of experience carries weight in a room chasing a long spring run.
For now, the key detail is simple.
He's back on the ice.
And for the Islanders, that might be the first step toward reinforcing their goaltending depth at exactly the right time.
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