The Islanders' goalie Semyon Varlamov stops a shot by the Wild's Jared Spurgeon during the first period of an NHL game on Sunday in St. Paul, Minn. Credit: AP/Stacy Bengs
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Barry Trotz had said on several occasions that regardless of when he chose to give Semyon Varlamov his first start of the season, rust might be an issue after a 4 ½ month break.
That night ended up being Sunday night, against the Wild, and while Varlamov looked sharp most of the game, things got away from both him and the Islanders in the third period, resulting in a 5-2 loss at Xcel Energy Center.