Patrick Roy pivoted back to his Cadillac in favor of the Ferrari in the Islanders’ 3-2 Game 4 double-overtime win over the Hurricanes on Saturday.
In Roy’s analogy, the more experienced Semyon Varlamov is “comfortable,” while the younger and flashier Ilya Sorokin can “be a little more bumpy.”
Comfort is exactly what Varlamov provided.
The 36-year-old yielded two goals on 44 shots as the Islanders forced Game 5 when Mathew Barzal scored in the second overtime.
The Hurricanes doubled the Isles in power-play opportunities while coughing up 11 fewer turnovers and Varlamov stood strong — even when the momentum was relinquished to Carolina from the second period on.
Islanders vs. Hurricanes Game 5 prediction
(7:30 p.m. ET, TBS)
| Team | Puck line | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islanders | +1.5 (-205) | +190 | o5.5 (-106) |
| Hurricanes | -1.5 (+120) | -235 | u5.5 (-115) |
In fact, Varlamov has been at his best when facing high-danger scoring situations; he has allowed one goal against 38 of them in this series, according to Natural Stat Trick.
Varlamov owns a third-best overall 4.7 goals saved above expected entering Monday.
Frederik Anderson, who has displayed unerring play throughout the four games, is No. 5 with 2.2 xGSA.
The Isles have been overwhelmed in keeping pace with the ’Canes, but they are combatting the stiff play with desperation hockey.
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If Varlamov’s engine continues running smoothly, it’s a tangible recipe for another low-scoring elimination game Tuesday with Carolina holding the 3-1 series edge.
Carolina is a heavy -235 home favorite to end this first-round series and advance to face the Rangers, who eliminated the Capitals on Sunday with a four-game sweep.
The Islanders have +190 odds at BetRivers to send the series back to Long Island for Game 6.
THE PLAY: Islanders-Hurricanes Under 5.5 goals (-115, BetRivers)