Varlamov’s second shutout in a row sends Islanders past Philadelphia Flyers in Game 1

Semyon Varlamov became the first goaltender in New York Islanders history to record two straight playoff shutouts as the Isles continued their momentum with a 4-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 1.

Before the game, there was a lot of discussion from observers about which team would be able to assert their forward control plan against the other. The answer turned out to be “both teams”, but the Islanders showed theirs first and netted a goal, while Varlamov closed the door when the Flyers responded with a strong push in the second period.

A second goal for the Islanders early in the third set the frame to complete the storyline, which was heavy on the consistent four-line structure that the Islanders displayed most often over the first two rounds.

A nice front row goal and an empty net with seven minutes to go finished the scoring and made a delightfully comfortable third.

[NHL Game Center | Event Summary | Game Summary]

First period: rise of the machine

The Isles smothered the Flyers with forward control to open the game, leaving no doubt they could pick up where they left off in the previous series. It was a thing to see, and the only sour note was that they only scored one goal – meaning they entered the first intermission just on a rebound to erase all that good work.

Indeed, that rebound almost came in the first half, but for the timely blocking of the team’s senior defender, who was also responsible for their first goal.

That’s right: The scoring in this series was opened by a guy who has scored 49 goals in 923 career regular-season games and three playoff games (so far) to his name. Andy Greene, the gray-bearded deadline acquisition who has been a constant presence since replacing an injured Johnny Boychuk in the round robin [thank you reader editors] play-in series, became the second-oldest Islander to score a playoff goal behind Ed Westfall, the pre-dynasty captain who played so long ago that his name will not automatically link in this story .

Brock Nelson had a good point rally with Greene, who took him to the center of the blue line and shot a multiplayer screen. It brought the score to 1-0 just six minutes into the game, but Carter Hart limited the damage there – including a full back glove stoppage on Brock Nelson – despite the Isles passing the Flyers 15-4 in the period.

It should be noted that it could easily have been 1-1, but Greene had a nice kicking block on a weird man run. Kevin Hayes also had a chance, soloing on a breakaway, but the puck flipped on him and Varlamov held onto his position as Hayes’ attempt to make a quick swing escaped.

Second period: the flyer (almost) strikes back

Yeah, I’m mixing up my sci-fi sequel title metaphors here, but whatever. The second period was the Varlamov period. Really, despite the 4-0 final, this game could easily have been a different story, but not for Varlamov seeing the pucks well, flashing a quick glove and sometimes being helped by an if-all-the-other-fails-covers- your-man-as-a-blanket The defense of five island men.

By the end of the period, the Flyers had recorded 15 shots on goal against the Islanders’ seven. So, before we get carried away with the final 20 minutes, we have to remember that this was anyone’s game going into the second intermission. Having said that, they continue to play the majority of their games as they have played the majority of it, they will be in good shape.

Third period: Ross the boss throws a party

But the aforementioned insurance target came early, with the Isles doubling their 2:54 lead in the third period.

An outstanding forward failure and nuisance creation from Ross Johnston – who was productively visible throughout the game – left the puck free behind the net, the perfect place for Leo Komarov to do something without twisting it. Komarov fed JG Pageau on his own up front for a pretty straightforward finish. (Alas, Johnston was not credited with a second assist, which went to Adam Pelech.)

Surprisingly, it was Selke-worthy Sean Couturier who left the front of the net to become the third Flyers, leaving Pageau alone. Not that I expect a lot of reps there, but if a Johnston-Pageau-Komarov line gives Couturier any adjustments, we live well.

Because the Islands are in Peak Trotz mode lately, that goal of going 2-0 made a pretty comfortable victory within reach. So when the top line threw a nice insurance marker in there, it was pure luxury.

The Flyers knew they needed to push down, which left them open for a quick counterattack. Jordan Eberle and Mathw Barzal traded the puck in the race, and Barzal sent a soft cross pass to Anders Lee for the left wing finish.

Soon after, Alain Vigneault shot Hart for a sixth forward, but that plan was immediately messed up when Devon Toews ‘clearance made a happy jump and ended up in the Flyers’ empty net.

Couldn’t we save some bounces for later in the series, please?

It’s really like that sometimes

You are not alone, Claude. You’re not alone.

Notes

Special teams not needed: Just a team power play in this game, something that wasn’t entirely inappropriate but certainly favors the Islands. When they’re in their five-to-five four-line rolling pace, they have their best chance of winning.

Injury alarm: Adam Pelech landed an ankle shot at the end of the third. It was already 3-0, so there was no doubt about the ability to close the win. He’s returned to the ice, but if that becomes a lasting problem, that clearly changes everything. … Also, I don’t know how Cal Clutterbuck, who has been a pinata this year, came back on his side receiving a heavy hip-to-thigh check.

Irritation: Yeah, I still don’t like Matt Niskanen. He took a stormy hard blow penalty late after Brock Nelson held his stick to protect the puck on the penalty spot. It was one of those “we weren’t going to put on hold but then you slashed” agreements. Nonetheless, Nelson being Nelson, had a lot of impassive tweets for his compatriot Minnesotan as they skated. I never tire of Nelson’s flat-faced tweets and goal celebrations.

Irrelevant pleasure: I admit that I don’t know much about Nicolas Aube-Kubel, but I know that I like to hear his name announced on the show. Clever player too, I hope he doesn’t give me reason to hate him.

Franchise register: Varlamov’s shutout gives him the second-longest playoff shutout in Islanders history, a record held by Billy Smith who he is likely to break early in Game 2. He also became the first in the game. history of the franchise to record two consecutive shutouts.

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The second game is Wednesday at 3 p.m. EDT. Your traditional hockey time in the playoffs.