Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov named NHL's First Star of the Week

The NHL announced its “Three Stars of the Week” for this past week ending on December 20 and unsurprisingly to anyone paying attention, Colorado goaltender Semyon Varlamov received the number one star.

Varlamov’s play has been unbelievable of late and last week he was recognized by the NHL as its top star after a 3-0-0 record, 0.67 goals-against-average, and .981 save percentage (along with one shutout) in wins over the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Islanders, and Edmonton Oilers.

Varlamov’s great play extends beyond just the past week, however, as his last abysmal start was way back on November 30 when the Avalanche were in Brooklyn to take on the Islanders. Since giving up 4 goals on 27 shots and earning the loss against the Isles on the road, Varlamov’s last eight starts have seen him accumulate a 7-1-0 record with a 1.12 goals-against-average and .967 save percentage.

The resurgence of Varlamov is a primary reason the Avalanche have gone 8-2-0 in December and vaulted themselves back into the playoff conversation. The Avalanche begin the day as the team with the most points in the Western Conference not currently in a playoff position but sit just three points behind the Nashville Predators for the final Wild Card playoff spot and have built a three point cushion between themselves and the Winnipeg Jets for sixth place in the Central Division.

Colorado’s current predicament in the standings, that of having accumulated more points than teams in the Pacific Division who would be in the playoffs were the season to start today, has already caused the NHLPA to have a conversation revisiting its playoff format and the fairness of the current system in place. While there’s plenty of time for things to work themselves out as the season is still not even halfway over, it’s safe to say Colorado’s hot streak, led by the brilliance of Varlamov, has caused a ripple in the Western Conference.

Washington’s T.J. Oshie and Minnesota’s Mikko Koivu were the second and third stars of the week, respectively.