New York Islanders News

The case against Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov was dismissed Friday after facing a misdemeanor assault charge for allegedly attacking his girlfriend.

Varlamov, 25, charged with third-degree assault November 22. The case was dismissed because prosecutors say they could not prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. It appears Varlamov's legal troubles are now behind him and he can focus on hockey once again.

Semyon Varlamov
Schneider starts for the Devils.

Schneider allowed three goals on 23 shots in a 3-2 loss to the Penguins last Friday. Martin Brodeur made the next two starts, but it will be Schneider tonight looking for his first win since November 30. He will be in tough with the Anaheim Ducks coming to town - Schneider is 2-2-2 with a 1.45 GAA and .930 SV% at home.

Cory Schneider
Semyon Varlamov will start in goal Monday.

Varlamov allowed one goal on 27 shots in 2-1 shootout loss against the Wild on Saturday. It was a strong outing for Varlamov but the Avalanche were stymied by Josh Harding. He will get the nod for the third time against the Stars tonight in Colorado. He is 2-0-0 with a 1.95 GAA and .943 SV% in the first two games.

Semyon Varlamov
Varlamov in net for the Avalanche.

Varlamov gave up two goals in five minutes on Thursday, but settled in and allowed just one more through regulation and overtime. He face 38 shots total in the Avs 4-3 shootout win over the Jets. He will face the Wild for the second time in two weeks. He stopped 35 of 37 shots in a 3-2 shootout win vs. Minnesota on November 30.

Semyon Varlamov
Casey Cizikas (jaw) is out tonight.

Cizikas left Thursday's game in the first period and did not return. He took a high hit that obviously caught him in the jaw. No word on the severity of Cizikas' injury, for now consider him day-to-day. This injury guarantees that Ryan Strome will make his NHL debut tonight. Cizikas

Casey Cizikas
Schneider will start on Friday.

Schneider allowed three goals on 21 shots in a loss to the Red Wings last Saturday. After winning three straight, Schneider has lost each of his last two starts while allowing three goals in each. He will face the Penguins for the second time this season, he stopped 18 of 21 shots in a 3-0 loss in his first start as a Devil.

Cory Schneider
Lightning rookie right wing Richard Panik was suspended two games by the league for his from-behind hit Tuesday on Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner.

Alzner was not injured on the play with 4:29 left in the second period, and Panik was given a five-minute major penalty for boarding on which the Capitals scored twice. The NHL ruled Alzner was in a "vulnerable position" and "at a dangerous distance from the boards" when he was hit, causing "a violent collision with the boards." Panik will miss tonight's game vs. the Red Wings and Saturday's vs. the Devils. He is eligible to return on Sunday in Detroit.

Richard Panik
Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Richard Panik will have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety Wednesday for a hit on Washington Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner Tuesday night at Verizon Center.

At 16:31 of the second period, Panik hit Alzner in the neutral zone, driving him into the boards. Alzner remained down briefly, but returned to the game in the third period. Panik was assessed a five-minute major for boarding on the play. The following grounds are being considered for supplemental discipline: boarding. However, the Department of Player Safety retains the right to make adjustments to the infraction upon review.

Richard Panik
Varlamov starts for the Avalanche.

Varlamov allowed eight goals on 28 shots in a blowout loss to the Oilers last Thursday. He was skipped over when he was scheduled to start on Sunday, but will be back in the crease tonight vs. Phoenix. He stopped 41 of 44 shots in a 4-3 OT win vs. the Coyotes on November 21.

Semyon Varlamov
Varlamov was announced as tonight's Avalanche starter on Wednesday but following a terrible outing in Edmonton, there is no official word if that is still the plan.

Varlamov allowed eight goals on 28 shots in Thursday's 8-2 loss to the Oilers. He was not pulled because J.S Giguere was scheduled to start the following day. He will be back in the cage tonight at Vancouver, a tough matchup for Varly who has been wildly inconsistent as of late.

Semyon Varlamov
Schneider leaves the ice first; he starts vs. Detroit.

Schneider allowed three goals on 30 shots in a loss to the Canadiens on Wednesday. The loss broke his three-game winning streak, but he will be back in the crease tonight vs. the Red Wings. Detroit brings in a depleted lineup which makes it a juicier matchup for Schneider.

Cory Schneider
Cory Schneider in the net the Devils will defend in first and third periods tonight -- usually an indicator of the starting goalie.

Schneider allowed three goals on 30 shots in a loss to the Canadiens on Wednesday. The loss broke his three-game winning streak, but he will be back in the crease tonight vs. the Red Wings. Detroit brings in a depleted lineup which makes it a juicier matchup for Schneider.

Cory Schneider
Varlamov is not practicing today (maintenance). Will practice tomorrow and start Thursday in Edmonton.

After appearing in court yesterday, Varlamov will be able to travel with the team and play until his next court date which is set to be January 23. Great news for the Avalanche and Varlamov owners, because he continues to play at a high level. He stopped 35 of 37 shots in a win over the Wild on Saturday. He has a solid matchup in Edmonton on Thursday.

Semyon Varlamov
Schneider starts on Wednesday.

Schneider posted a 15-save shutout against the Sabres on Saturday. His tremendous season continues, he has a 1.72 GAA and .927 SV%… But it is the same story as it was in Vancouver. He does not see enough crease-time to make him an elite option. The Devils played the Habs well on Monday, so it should be another close game on Wednesday.

Cory Schneider