Semyon Varlamov’s season hasn’t been perfect, but he’s been phenomenal since returning from a groin injury in late November.
Semyon Varlamov (@Avalanche) has allowed 7 goals over his last 5 outings, stopping 160 of 167 shots in those contests (.958 SV%). #COLvsSTL
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 14, 2015
Varlamov was at it again on Sunday night, as he turned aside 42 of 43 shots in a 3-1 win over the St. Louis Blues.
The 27-year-old clearly doesn’t mind being busy, as he has an outstanding record when he faces 40 shots or more:
Per @EliasSports: S. Varlamov (@Avalanche) is 12-3-3 in 18 career regular-season games where he has made 40+ saves. pic.twitter.com/inKvHLq2fj
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 14, 2015
“Obviously our goalie made some great saves,” said Avs coach Patrick Roy. “Varly was our best player tonight and certainly a big part of our success.”
The Avalanche are still on the outside looking in when it comes to the Western Conference playoff picture, but they have turned things around in December.
Colorado has a 5-2-0 record this month.
They trail Nashville by six points for the final Wild Card spot in the West.
You can watch some of Varlamov’s big saves by clicking the video at the top of the page.
After a big win against the Stars on Saturday, the Blues couldn’t get it done tonight.
It’s wasn’t for a lack of trying, as they fired 35 shots at Varlamov in the final two periods.
Hitchcock: "Hopefully the players are angry and disappointed and we'll grow from it." #stlblues
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) December 14, 2015