Varlamov has been out since November 10th with a groin injury, but will return to the crease tonight. After posting a 3.26 GAA and .890 SV% in his first 10 games, he had fallen behind Reto Berra, but Berra has struggled in his last three games, so Varlamov could reclaim his job as the Avs’ No. 1 goalie with a couple of strong outings.
Drouin was listed as doubtful for today’s game but head coach Jon Cooper confirmed this morning that Drouin will miss his second straight game with an undisclosed injury. Consider Drouin day-to-day.
Drouin is in danger of missing his second straight game with an undisclosed injury. To be sure he is out, monitor his status during Thursday’s morning skate.
There is no definitive word as to what is ailing Drouin, but he will miss his sixth game of the season. With Drouin out, the Lightning will go with seven defensemen as Matt Taormina will make his season debut.
Pelech was a plus-1 with one shot in 13:19 in his NHL debut last Friday. He will come out of the lineup tonight in favour of Marek Zidlicky.
Varlamov suffered a groin injury in Tuesday’s morning skate and is out day-to-day with the injury. Varlamov has played second fiddle to Reto Berra this season, so it is not as big of a loss as it has been in the past. With Varlamov out, the Avalanche have recalled Calvin Pickard.
Palat left Saturday’s game with a lower-body injury after getting tangled up near the goal with Nino Niederreiter. Palat is expected to miss at least the next eight games and could miss up to 14 contests, based off of his 3-5 week timetable.
Pelech, 21, was a third round pick (65th overall) in 2012. Pelech has two goals and two assists in 14 games with Bridgeport this season. He is expected to replace Brian Strait and make his NHL debut on Tuesday.
Drouin will miss his fifth straight games with a lower-body injury. He was on the ice for the gameday skate, but did not take part in line rushes, so he will sit again. Drouin remains day-to-day and his next chance to play is Saturday in Minnesota.
Varlamov allowed three goals on 25 shots in the Avs’ 6-3 win over the Flames on Tuesday. Varlamov has struggled through the first part of the season, but maybe an offensive explosion and a win will get the Avs going. Varlamov draws a strong matchup tonight—Mike Smith has been equally as bad, opening the door for lots of goal support.
Varlamov surrendered three goals on 31 shots in the Avs’ loss to the Kings on Sunday. After winning his second game of the season, Varlamov has dropped his last two starts while allowing a combined six goals on 57 shots (.895 SV%). Varlamov could make for a solid start tonight with at the Flames and their 24th ranked offence in town.
Drouin will miss his fourth consecutive game with a lower-body injury. He was on the ice this morning and is nearing a return, but the Lightning are not certain that Drouin will be back on Thursday in Buffalo.
Varlamov allowed three goals on 26 shots in Colorado’s loss in Carolina on Friday. It was Varlamov’s second game in as many nights, so it wasn’t surprising to see him struggle vs. the Hurricanes. He has won just two of seven starts while posting a 3.36 GAA and .889 SV% this season.
Drouin was held out of Thursday’s game because of a lower-body injury and he missed practice this morning which suggests he won’t play on Saturday either. The Lightning have officially listed him as doubtful.
