BUFFALO — Getting stellar goaltending from Semyon Varlamov, the Islanders needed just one lucky bounce to continue their longest win streak in 30 years.
Varlamov made 27 saves and Derick Brassard scored in the first period as the Islanders beat the Sabres, 1-0, on Saturday night for their ninth straight win.
“Winning is lots of fun,” Varlamov said following his first shutout victory since joining the team in free agency during the offseason. “We did a lot of good things today. The team battled all game. It wasn’t an easy one.”
After a 1-3 start this season, the Islanders have won nine straight for the third time in franchise history. Their most recent 9-0-0 run came from Dec. 31, 1989 to Jan. 19, 1990. The franchise record is 15 consecutive wins during the 1981-82 season.
“It’s a full commitment from everyone,” Brassard said. “It’s fun to see. Everyone is chipping in in many ways.”
Brassard chipped one in to extend his goal-scoring streak to five games and give the Islanders an early lead. Receiving a pass from Anthony Beauvillier along the end boards, Brassard backhanded the puck toward the front of the net, and it bounced in off the back of Carter Hutton’s right leg 5:19 into the first period.
“I got lucky,” Brassard said. “I’ll take it. Anything for the team. It ended up being the winning goal.”
Hutton stopped 20 shots to keep the Sabres in the game. Buffalo was coming off a 6-1 loss at Washington on Friday night during which Linus Ullmark allowed four goals in the first 12 minutes.
The Sabres’ attack continued to struggle against Varlamov, who has won five straight following two losses alternating starts in goal with Thomas Greiss.
“Our goalie was the best player on the ice tonight,” Brassard said.