New York Islanders News

Rittich will start in Boston on Tuesday.

Rittich allowed two goals on 32 shots in the Flames win in New Jersey last Thursday. With Mike Smith getting injured late in the Flames win over the Islanders on Sunday, Rittich will be the Flames No.1 for the immediate future. The 25-year-old netminder has played well in limited action this season, going 5-1-2 with a 2.20 GAA and .927 SV%. He makes for a strong pickup with Smith out, but has a rough matchup tonight in Boston.

David Rittich
Soshnikov has returned from his conditioning stint with Toronto (AHL) and will remain on injured reserve until he is cleared to play by team doctors.

The Leafs currently do not have an open roster spot for Soshnikov, which explains the delay in removing him from injured reserve. Once he is cleared they will be forced to either make a spot for him or risk losing him on waivers.

Nikita Soshnikov
Rittich will start Thursday in New Jersey.

Rittich allowed one goal on four shots after replacing Mike Smith in the Flames loss to the Lightning last Thursday. Rittich has not seen a lot of action this season, but has played very well. In six starts and two relief appearance, Rittich has gone 4-1-2 with a 2.23 GAA and .926 SV%. He makes for an interesting spot-start on a busy nine-game night.

David Rittich
Varlamov will start Saturday in Carolina.

Varlamov allowed three goals on 11 shots after replacing Jonathan Bernier in Colorado’s blowout loss in St. Louis on Thursday. Varlamov has now given up five goals on 42 shots (.881 SV%) since returning from a groin injury last Saturday. In his first start vs. Carolina in 2017-18, Varlamov made a ridiculous 57 saves on 60 shots in a 5-3 win in early-November.

Semyon Varlamov
Varlamov (groin) will travel on Colorado’s three-game road-trip.

Varlamov was a full participant in Monday’s practice but won’t be available for Tuesday’s game. Varlamov will travel on their three-game road-trip and could play at some point over that stretch, but he will need to participate in at least one or two more practices before that becomes a reality.

Semyon Varlamov