After 662 Days, Semyon Varlamov’s Islanders Return Ends With Hugs

After 662 days and two partial knee replacements, Semyon Varlamov returned to the Islanders’ net. He reflects on the comeback, his teammates’ hugs and the road back.

PHOTO: Dennis DaSilva / New York Islanders

NEW YORK, NY — It had been 662 days since Semyon Varlamov last played in an NHL game.

After two partial knee replacements and nearly two years of rehab, the New York Islanders goaltender was back in the crease Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.

Varlamov replaced Ilya Sorokin midway through the second period with the Islanders trailing the Rangers 3-0.

By the final horn, the Islanders had won 4-3. Varlamov had stopped every shot he faced, and his teammates were waiting with hugs.

When I asked Varlamov what that moment meant to him, he looked down. It took him a few seconds to answer.