Colorado goalie Varlamov breaks Patrick Roy's single-season wins record

Semyon Varlamov broke Patrick Roy's record with his 41st victory of the season. (Photo: Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images)

By Mike McMahon

The Colorado Avalanche were the bottom-feeders in the Western Conference during last year's shortened season. Now, the Avs find themselves atop the Central Division with just two games left to play, thanks in large part to the performance of their goaltender, Semyon Varlamov.

Varlamov recorded his 41st victory of the season on Thursday night after making 38 saves against the Vancouver Canucks in a 4-2 win. The W breaks the franchise record previously held by the man who stands behind Colorado's bench, the legendary Hall of Famer Patrick Roy, who set the mark during the 2000-2001 season.

The 52nd win for the Avalanche also tied the franchise record set back in 2000-200.

The victory didn't come easy, and Varlamov made his case for the Vezina Trophy with late saves like this one among his 19 in the third period.