Semyon Varlamov’s 54-goal-shutout on January 6 vs. Chicago
Apr 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche fan holds a drawing in reference to goalie Semyon Varlamov (1) (not pictured) during the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
This was one of the most popular highlights — and not surprisingly! As usual for this season’s Avs, Varlamov had to face a crazy amount of shots. The Blackhawks kept firing them at the net all night, keeping our Russian #1 more than busy. Sixty minutes, 92 shots, and 54 shots on net later, it was all over. The Avalanche had beat the Blackhawks with 2-0. Nathan MacKinnon scored one and set one up for Max Talbot in the first 1:17, before Varlamov had to do the rest.
"“The good thing is, the guys weren’t staying in front of me. They were giving me a chance to see the puck all the time. That was key.” – Semyon Varlamov"
It is obviously very helpful for the goalie to see the puck, but I still think that praising the defense for allowing 54 shots on net is a little too much. All credit must go to Varlamov himself — who gave us a win, and a highlight to remember! That last tweet was a great transition to our next highlight, which is……….