Islanders News: Varly owns the Rangers; Barzal fined for ‘embellishing’ uncalled penalties

After a frustrating three-game set where they salvaged a lone point against the Capitals, the New York Islanders were not messing around Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.

The Isles had a good start and opened a 2-0 lead in the first period, did not let up, and enjoyed yet another merciless performance by Semyon Varlamov over the Rangers.

The 4-0 win puts the Rangers deep in the hole before Saturday’s return match at the Coliseum.

Islanders News

About last night:

• The Isles played up to the level we know they’re capable of. [LHH]
• The line combos seemed to work. [Newsday]
• “A lot to like...connected in all three zones.” From the Isles official site: [5 Takeaways | Highlights | Photos]
• With his league-leading sixth shutout, Varlamov became the first goalie to shut out the Rangers three times at the Garden in the same season. The season began in January, by the way. [NYI Skinny]
• An encouraging night for the Isles, a painful lesson for the Rangers. [Newsday]
• “They just did everything they needed to do [to us],” lamented David Quinn, who said his team must learn from the Islanders’ approach. [Post]
• The Rangers’ no-show should have consequences this summer, says Brooksie. [Post]
• After lots of recent blending, Barry Trotz knows he needs to settle on lines to let them build chemistry heading into the playoffs. [Newsday]
• The Rangers are all but out this season, but key players in this series will be part of high-stakes Battle of New York meetings to come. [Newsday]
• One of them, of course, is their #1 goalie Igor Shesterkin, who still has yet to beat the Isles. [Post]
• Brooks and Stan Fischler joined the Post’s podcast with Mollie Walker and Ron Duguay. [Post]

Barzal Fined for ‘Diving/Embellishing’

Lots of raging debate on this, but to take this play and say, “Oh, we caught him, look at this unsporting fellow, time to fine him” is like you’re just searching to make an example of Mat Barzal. The amount of uncalled physical abuse he and other talented stars take is unconscionable. [Video | NHL announcement]

Elsewhere

Last night’s other NHL scores included the Penguins and Capitals creating another three-point game with Pittsburgh winning in OT, and the Bruins winning again to keep the pressure on.

• Carter Hart will miss the remainder of the season with his MCL injury, concluding a terrible season for the Flyers franchise goalie. [BSH | NHL]
• The upgraded iPad app available to coaching staffs brings all kinds of real-time information as everybody looks for an edge and in-game adjustments. [Sportsnet]
• At age 49, Jaromir Jagr leads the team he owns to promotion back to the top Czech league, and he plans to keep playing next season. [NBC | NHL]
• Speaking of living, greying legends who still have it, Jason Spezza and Joe Thornton enjoy being on a line together. [Sportsnet]
• Ryan Miller, the winningest U.S. goalie in history, will retire after the season. [OC Register]