The Islanders opened practice for their first-round playoff series against the Penguins on Wednesday. Semyon Varlamov did not.
The presumed Game 1 goalie was given a maintenance day off from the team’s session at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow and also did not skate on his own. Coach Barry Trotz listed him as day-to-day.
But Trotz also insisted he anticipates Varlamov — who exited Monday’s season-finale in Boston after two periods with what the coach termed a strain — being ready to start the playoffs. The series is expected to get underway either Saturday or Sunday in Pittsburgh.