Player Discussion: Semyon Varlamov 2020-21

[islesfan186]

I know it’s early in the season, but man, is he looking good or what? He seems so much more composed in net this year. Not a lot of scrambling around, very economical in his movements, reading the play well, and his glove hand looks to be much improved. Hoping this play continues and that he is a good mentor for Sorokin. Hopefully this generates some friendly competition between the two

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[doublechili]

That wasn't a great goal to give up tonight. Lehner would have 3 shutouts if we kept him.

 

[CupHolders]

That wasn't a great goal to give up tonight. Lehner would have 3 shutouts if we kept him.

Four! He’s too big and mighty to have a Clutterbuck shot reach his jaw.

 

[ScaredStreit]

Obviously he's been awesome...but he hasn't really been tested yet either. That's also a good thing though.

 

[Satan'sIsland81]

If he keeps playing like this we might not see Sorokin nearly as much as we thought, which certainly is a good thing in that we would be winning a lot, but might not be so good for the likelihood of a long-term stay on the Island for Ilya.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

I think it was @SI90 who coined it best.

Varly, The Iron Curtin this year. Playing very well. He sure gets into these grooves at times.

 

[MJF]

If he keeps playing like this we might not see Sorokin nearly as much as we thought, which certainly is a good thing in that we would be winning a lot, but might not be so good for the likelihood of a long-term stay on the Island for Ilya.

Are you afraid Sorokin might walk away if he doesn't get enough starts?

 

[Skip To My Lou]

Are you afraid Sorokin might walk away if he doesn't get enough starts?

I think given the history with Russian players coming from the KHL not getting enough playing time, you can't really blame people for thinking that.

 

[Chardo]

Are you afraid Sorokin might walk away if he doesn't get enough starts?

There's a back to back next weekend, part of a 3 in 4 / 4 in 6 stretch. Sorokin will get action.

 

[Satan'sIsland81]

Are you afraid Sorokin might walk away if he doesn't get enough starts?

Put yourself in his shoes. You come into this season thinking you might get 25 or so out of 56 starts and lets say you get 12-15. Would you be less or more likely to re sign with the team or go back to your country and start every game?

 

[YearlyLottery]

If Varlamov is only allowing 1 goal in 3 games it really doesn't matter what we do with Sorokin, Varlamov is the starter. Thinking that Varlamov will be this consistent over the entire season would be crazy talk though.

 

[Throttle]

Put yourself in his shoes. You come into this season thinking you might get 25 or so out of 56 starts and lets say you get 12-15. Would you be less or more likely to re sign with the team or go back to your country and start every game?

Well, then, his expectations are off. He took the risk to come to the NHL - the premier league in the world for his trade, and it was going to take time to get in the game. Remember, he wasn't so keen on playing the AHL, so, in essence, he has inherently limited his own playing time by only wanting to play in the NHL. His countrymen on other teams took the 'normal' route.

One would be hard pressed to believe the GM and the goalie staff sold him on anything other than: come over, there will be a transition time, we will (over)pay you to do so, we have countrymen to help with the transition, and you'll get in as we go. Most likely a platoon situation, but also ride the hot hand.

 

[PK Cronin]

He signed a two year deal, why can he just run to the KHL but KHL players have to honor their contract before coming to the NHL?

I also don't think he'll leave. He'll get plenty of starts. It's hard for any goalie to get upset that the other goalie is hot and the team is winning...after putting up a stinker in your only start in a young season.

 

[Satan'sIsland81]

He signed a two year deal, why can he just run to the KHL but KHL players have to honor their contract before coming to the NHL?

I also don't think he'll leave. He'll get plenty of starts. It's hard for any goalie to get upset that the other goalie is hot and the team is winning...after putting up a stinker in your only start in a young season.

Just correcting one thing. He did not sign a two year deal. He signed two separate one year deals and the first was counted during the bubble playoffs. So he is only under contract for this season.

 

[PK Cronin]

Just correcting one thing. He did not sign a two year deal. He signed two separate one year deals and the first was counted during the bubble playoffs. So he is only under contract for this season.

You're right, I was thinking the first year was for this one but it was to burn a year so he could make more this season.

 

[Beacon Isles]

There's a back to back next weekend, part of a 3 in 4 / 4 in 6 stretch. Sorokin will get action.

Yup, probably Sunday vs Philly, after Varly on Saturday vs. Philly.

 

[Beacon Isles]

Put yourself in his shoes. You come into this season thinking you might get 25 or so out of 56 starts and lets say you get 12-15. Would you be less or more likely to re sign with the team or go back to your country and start every game?

If he thought he would be handed a 50/50 job, or even 40/60, hes nuts. And I doubt anyone with the Isles promised that.

15 starts (and it could be more, we're only 4 games in), no AHL time, adapting to a different rink size against the best in the world? I think he knew what he was getting into and wont be running back to the KHL.

 

[MJF]

Put yourself in his shoes. You come into this season thinking you might get 25 or so out of 56 starts and lets say you get 12-15. Would you be less or more likely to re sign with the team or go back to your country and start every game?

What would make him think he was getting 25 starts? We know how this coach works. He prefers veterans and experience. He had a body of work from Varlamov from the playoffs. We don’t have that many back to backs. I said in a fantasy league thread on this board to someone thinking of drafting Sorokin that the only way he gets near half the starts in this sprint of a season is if Varlamov struggles early on. I’m pretty sure this was explained to Sorokin when camp started.

If Sorokin wants to play in the best league on the planet he’ll stay here, be patient, wait for next season when we get back to an 82 game schedule. If he wants to go back to being a big fish in a small pond he’ll do what you are suggesting.

 

[CupHolders]

Bridgeport’s first game appears to be Feb. 5th. I wonder if they let Sorokin get some of those AHL games. Then work him in a more regular rotation with Varlamov.

 

[scott99]

Bridgeport’s first game appears to be Feb. 5th. I wonder if they let Sorokin get some of those AHL games. Then work him in a more regular rotation with Varlamov.

It wouldn’t be the worst thing to do, but I don’t see it happening. Trotz is a creature of habit, always rides the hot goalie. Especially with 3 days between games, Varly definitely starts against the Devils on Sunday.

We will see Sorokin, maybe twice this week. Back to back vs an undermanned Washington and back to back vs Buffalo (two days between both back to backs). If he can get a few wins, giving up 2-3 goals a game, his confidence will go through the roof.

 

[periferal]

Dude is just a professional. Comes to work and gives a good effort every night. Love that he's so steady - Rarely ever gives up a soft goal and often makes saves that could've easily been goals. You can see how confident the team is in front of him...And that's the #1 thing you want a goalie to do for your team.

 

[scott99]

Varlamov has always been a good goalie. Lucky for him, he has a great coach, great goalie coach, and outside of the 2nd Ranger’s game, his team is playing defense like they were playing in 2018-19. He’s playing the best he’s ever played though, it’s a great combination.