NHL: Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov somehow denies Reilly Smith with an amazing paddle block

New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov stretched his right arm as best as he could to make a fantastic save on Vegas Golden Knights left winger Reilly Smith.

Varlamov stuck his goalie stick out after a cross-crease pass from William Carrier with 14:11 remaining in the second period.

As the pass got to Smith, Varlamov raised his paddle and tipped the puck – preventing it from going into the net – in an amazing save-of-the-year caliber effort. 

New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov (40) put up an amazing save Saturday night

Varlamov extended his stick to stop the shot from Golden Knights left winger Reilly Smith

Varlamov carried that effort into overtime, as the Isles were able to keep things close throughout the game. 

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In overtime, Islanders center Mathew Barzal ripped a shot from the left circle that zipped over the stick side of goaltender Logan Thompson to secure a 2-1 win for the Islanders.

Varlamov finished the night with 44 saves on 45 shots with a .978 save percentage on the evening.

Varlamov ended night with a win and 44 saves to his name, alongside a .978 save percentage

It was a much-needed shot in the arm for the Islanders who are still hanging on to some hope that they can make a final wildcard spot in the tough Eastern Conference.

They currently have 55 points and a 25-22-5 record, which has them two points outside of the second wildcard position – currently held by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

However, the Islanders have played 52 games so far this season – with the Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres sitting ahead of them with multiple games in hand.