BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 15: Semyon Varlamov #40 of the New York Islanders during the game against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on February 15, 2021 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images)
After a strong 3-0 win against the New York Rangers on home ice, the New York Islanders traveled to the hapless Buffalo Sabres. The Isles clinched a playoff spot with the win in Nassau and were now looking to get home-ice advantage in the playoffs.
Buffalo was on a four-game slide and was featuring a career ECHL goalie who was making his first debut at any level since 2020.