As we move closer to the fall, the NHL playoffs continue in their host bubble cities. Here are the top five notes for August 25, 2020.
Varlamov Makes History: Semyon Varlamov stands alone in Islanders postseason history, posting his second consecutive shutout, this time against Philadelphia, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Varlamov stopped 29 shots, after turning back 21 in the Islanders series’ clinching victory against Washington. Varlamov’s shutout streak is 136:20, trailing Billy Smith’s franchise mark of 135:59. Varlamov is 8-2 in the Islanders 10 postseason games. Only Billy Smith in 1980 won more games through 10 starts in franchise history.
| Most Wins, First 10 Posteason Starts | ||||
| Single Postseason, Franchise History | ||||
| W-L | GAA | Save Pct | ||
| 1981 | Billy Smith | 9-1 | 1.74 | 0.934 |
| 2020 | Semyon Varlamov | 8-2 | 1.5 | 0.941 |
| 1981 | Billy Smith | 8-2 | 2.52 | 0.904 |
| 1983 | Billy Smith | 8-2 | 2.71 | 0.911 |
Andy Greene Finally Strikes Again! – Greene scored his first postseason goal since April 16, 2010, a span of 10 years, four months and nine days. Greene joined nine other players in NHL history to go 10+ seasons between postseason goals. Green (37 years, 299 days) is second to Ed Westfall (38 years, 215 days) as the oldest goal-scorer in franchise history.
Stars Streaking – After falling behind Calgary 2-1, the Stars are on a five-game win streak. Dallas is outscoring opponents 24-13 during their streak compared to opponents outscoring them by seven in losing four of their first six postseason games.
| Dallas Stars | ||
| 2020 Postseason | ||
| 1st 6 games | Last 5 Games | |
| W-L | *2-4 | 5-0 |
| Goals PG | 2 | 4.8 |
| GAA | 3.2 | 2.6 |
| PPG-PPO | *2-19 | 6-16 |
Reverse Avalanche – In falling behind 2-0 to Dallas, the Avs look much different than they did finishing off Arizona in Games 4-5 of the Western Quarterfinals. After outscoring they Coyotes 14-2 in those two games, they are a minus-five in their first two games against Dallas.
| Colorado Avalanche | ||
| Last 4 Games | ||
| Last 2 vs ARI | 1st 2 vs DAL | |
| Goals | 14 | 5 |
| Goal Diff. | Plus 12 | Minus 5 |
| PPG-PPO | *6-11 | *2-9 |
| PPGA-PPOA | *1-6 | *2-5 |
Islanders EVEN better – A key to their success in winning eight of their first ten postseason games is their play at even-strength. The Islanders lead remaining teams by a wide-margin in goal differential during 5-5 play.
| Goal Differential, 5 on 5 | ||
| 2020 Postseason | ||
| Goals Allowed | ||
| Islanders | Plus 15 | 6 |
| Golden Knights | Plus 11 | 15 |
| Avalanche | Plus 7 | 13 |
| Canucks | Plus 6 | 14 |
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