Backup helps Isles return to winning ways

Semyon Varlamov didn’t have much time to think about playing since Thomas Greiss was getting the start.

However, Greiss left the game late in the first period and Varlamov had to go right in.

Varlamov got his second shutout of the season, Mathew Barzal had a goal and an assist, and the Islanders beat the Blue Jackets, 2-0, Saturday night at Barclays Center.

“I just played [the] game,” said Varlamov, who finished with 30 saves to earn his 27th career shutout. “Sometimes it is easier when you go in and you didn’t think about the whole game. ... It [happened] quick. I just had to go out there and get ready. I only had 30 seconds, I think.”

Islanders coach Barry Trotz believes it can sometimes be good for a goalie to come off the bench in that kind of situation.

“It’s a little bit of shock therapy,” he said. “You have to go in survival mode so you lock right in and go on your instincts and determination and all that. ... He responded well.”

Anders Lee also scored to help the Islanders get a win in their return from an 0-2-1 California trip that ended a franchise-record 17-game point streak.

“We [knew] how important this game [was] for us,” Varlamov said. “We lost three in a row, so it was important to come with our ability and then play our good game. And I think we did a lot of good things today. Played very solid hockey.”

Greiss made nine saves before leaving with 5:54 left in the first period. He skated to the bench during a stoppage in play and told Trotz he wasn’t feeling well and was a little dizzy.

Columbus had a flurry of chances near the midpoint of the third, but couldn’t beat Varlamov, who drew chants of “Varly! Varly!” throughout the period.

ISLANDERS 2 BLUE JACKETS 0