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New York Islanders News

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
Rittich will start Thursday in Edmonton.

Rittich stopped 41 of 43 shots in the Flames win in Florida on January 12th. Rittich has gone 3-0-1 with a 1.71 GAA and .946 SV% in his last four starts. He came in in relief against the Oilers in early-December and gave up two goals on six shots in a 7-5 loss. He is 4-0-1 with a 1.77 GAA and .942 SV% on the road this season.

David Rittich
Rittich is in the starter's crease at the Flames morning skate.

Rittich allowed two goals on 43 shots in the Flames win in Florida on January 12th. The Flames have a back-to-back on Wednesday/Thursday so look for Rittich to start the front-end tonight vs. the Kings. Rittich is 3-0-1 with a 1.71 GAA and .946 SV%. He is an interesting spot-start option for fantasy owners in need.

David Rittich
The Canucks have activated Bo Horvat (leg) from IR; may return to the Canucks lineup on Sunday.

Horvat has been out since December 5th but traveled with the team on their current road-trip and it looks like he may return to the lineup in Winnipeg on Sunday. Horvat had a really nice season going prior to getting hurt, collecting 20 points (10G / 10A) in his first 28 games—a 59-point pace. Horvat was featured on a line with Brock Boeser before the injury, but he was practicing with the Sedin Twins in Friday’s practice.

Bo Horvat