Semyon Varlamov’s pre-game injury not only meant Ilya Sorokin made his NHL debut, it led to former Devils’ starter Cory Schneider dressing for the first time with the Islanders in Saturday night’s rematch with the Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
Schneider finalized a one-year, $700,000 deal on Thursday before the Islanders’ opened their season with a 4-0 win over the Rangers at the Garden.
Varlamov made 24 saves in that game as Sorokin served as the backup.
The Islanders plan to keep Schneider on the active roster as a third goalie for the entire season.
"We knew this was going to be a year where there could be COVID, there could be injuries," coach Barry Trotz said.