Semyon Varlamov, and the goalie alone, kept the Islanders in it against the NHL-leading Avalanche through two periods, despite an onslaught of turnovers and onesided play.
Which is to say, the Islanders’ 5-4 loss on Monday night at UBS Arena as they continue a six-game homestand was not on their netminder as they gave up a season-high 49 shots.
The Avalanche finally capitalized on their tactical advantage to score four goals in four minutes, 21 seconds of the third period to take a 5-1 lead before the Islanders’ frantic push fell just short.
