Semyon Varlamov and Carter Hart will face each other in the Round 2 of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

It is a matchup between a seasoned veteran and a rising star. Varlamov has 12 years of National Hockey League (NHL) experience under his belt with the Capitals, Avalanche and Isles. Hart, however, just played (and won) his first ever playoff series. He beat his idol, Carey Price, in six games.

Semyon Varlamov

Varlamov is coming off a feel-good win as well. He defeated the Washington Capitals, the team that drafted him, in five games. He was stellar, allowing only four even strength goals during the series.

Through 10 games, Varlamov has been phenomenal. He’s 8-2 with a 1.50 GAA and a .941 SV%, both NHL leaders among goalies who played over three games.

Although the team around him has been just as great, he made some outstanding saves in the first round against Washington. His best, and likely most consequential, was when he denied Jakub Vrana twice on a breakaway in Game 3. The save led directly to Mat Barzal’s game winning goal a short while later.

What also stuck out was his performance in Game 5. After allowing three unanswered goals in a Game 4 loss, he turned aside all 21 shots he faced. Among them was a great save against Richard Panik where Varlamov had to move laterally from right to left. Another came early in the third period, robbing Nick Backstrom with the glove. The save preserved the Isles’ two goal lead.

His outstanding play continued in Game 1 of the second round. He recorded his second straight shutout to give the Isles a 1-0 series lead.

“It feels good to get back to back shutouts,” Varlamov said. “But at this point it’s not about shutouts. It’s playoff hockey. The most important thing for me is to get the win and get ready for the next game.”

Varlamov had to work much harder against Washington than he did in the Qualifier against Florida. Still, the veteran goalie was up to the task. He’ll need a similar performance against a potent Flyers offense. If Game 1 is any indication, he’s more than capable of holding them at bay.

Carter Hart

Carter Hart took a large step forward in his second NHL season. In 43 regular season games, he was 24-13-3 with a 2.42 GAA and .914 SV%. Those numbers helped Philadelphia to a Qualifying Round bye. He kept it up in the Round Robin and the Flyers finished with the number one seed.

Through nine postseason games, Hart is 6-3-0 with a 1.86 GAA and a .938 SV%. He had back to back shutouts in Games 3 and 4 against Montreal.

However, Monday night’s loss was the third time this postseason he allowed four or more goals. He’s 6-0 when he allows less than three.

Many consider Hart to be one of the top young goalies in the NHL. He has definitely broken out these playoffs. His play in Round 1 is proof of that, especially considering the goalie he beat was Carey Price.

Hart idolizes Carey Price and he outplayed him during their series.

“Obviously, I look up to him,” Hart said after the Philadelphia’s win in Game 6. “For him to come over and congratulate you in the handshake line, that’s pretty special and definitely something I won’t forget.”

Carter Hart’s style is similar to that of Carey Price. A scouting report from sportsforecaster.com touts his puck playing abilities and coverage of the lower part of the net.  He has sound positional skills and moves quickly and efficiently in the net.

Beating Hart won’t come easily for the Isles. He’s sure to be yet another worthy foe for Semyon Varlamov.

Ben Baruch

Born and raised on Long Island. Isles fan since 2009. Studying journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park.