New York goalie Semyon Varlamov saved 36 of 37 shots on Tuesday night to keep the Islanders alive long enough to force a Game Six.
But it was Varly’s epic postgame celebration that somehow managed to upstage Jordan Eberle’s double-overtime goal.
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VARLAMOV IS EVERYONE ON THE ISLAND!#Isles | #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/R3NtPlDsnP
— #StanleyCup Playoffs on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) September 16, 2020
Check out Varly putting the New York Mets to shame with this textbook head-first dive into a figurative home plate.
Varlamov skates from the opposite goal and slides headfirst into the celebration 😂 pic.twitter.com/L3AnoQXmla
— CJ Fogler #BlackLivesMatter (@cjzero) September 16, 2020
“I don’t know (why I did it),” Varlamov said after the game laughing. “I just jump because I was like so excited for us. Our season was on the line today. When we scored that goal it was just a lot of emotions going through like in that moment because I was so happy for the guys and so happy for us like we extend the series and have chance to continue to play.”
Despite being outshot 37-24, the Islanders won after an unfortunate turnover by Kevin Shattenkirk. Anders Lee picked up Shatty’s whiff on a slap shot and connected with Eberle for a one-timer to end the game.
According to Natural Stat Trick, the Lightning generated 3.34 expected goals in the double-overtime elimination game, but Varly allowed just one to get past him — this funky rebound from Victor Hedman.
That performance is a major reversal for Varlamov, 32, who had already allowed 12 goals this series.
Game Six will be Thursday at 8 PM.
Hey guys wait for me pic.twitter.com/KYJsoyYN5U
— Dimitri Filipovic (@DimFilipovic) September 16, 2020
Screenshot courtesy of NBCSN
