Semyon Varlamov’s struggles this season have struck me as often being of the mental as opposed to the physical variety. So consider the mental fortitude he displayed in last night’s 11-round shootout victory over the New York Islanders. Beginning with Robbie Schremp’s shootout attempt in round 3 and lasting all the way through Cap-killer Jon Sim’s in round 10, Varlamov stood in his crease and stared straight out at unrelenting must-save scenarios, or else the Caps lost. Eight must-stop situations in a row. He went eight-for-eight.
A new media colleague next to me Wednesday night suggested that the Islanders possess quality shooters for shootouts, and I thought many made terrific moves and offered supreme tests of Varlamov’s athleticism throughout the 11 rounds. The Capitals, conversely, I thought seldom directed much difficulty Dwayne Roloson’s way — Eric Fehr even over-skated his shootout attempt. If there’s one image from last n...
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