A veteran goaltender with 17 seasons and 621 NHL games under his pads is defying expectations by returning to the ice after two partial knee surgeries, proving resilience in an injury-prone profession. The 38-year-old’s decision to continue playing challenges the notion that age and wear-and-tear mark the end of a career in professional hockey. His persistence highlights the physical demands and mental toughness required at the highest levels of the sport. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how his experience and determination translate back into performance.

EAST MEADOW, N.Y. -- Semyon Varlamov could have understandably put his goalie pads away after 17 NHL seasons, 621 games and two partial knee replacements. That’s right -- each of the 38-year-old’s ...