New York Islanders News

Rittich turned away 29 of 32 shots in the Flames’ 4-3 win over the Predators on Thursday. Despite his strong play this season, Rittich hasn’t been great in the absence of Mike Smith, allowing seven goals on just 71 shots over the last two games. He draws an okay matchup tonight at home against the Panthers.

Rittich failed to impress in his first start in the absence of Mike Smith, allowing four goals on 39 shots (.897) in a losing effort to the Bruins. Despite his disappointing night on Tuesday, Rittich has been a formidable backup this season (2.23 GAA/.926 SV%), and should continue to see a starter’s workload so long as Smith is out. He’ll be in tough to turn it around tonight in Nashville.

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.

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.

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.

Mayfield left Monday’s game vs. Nashville after being hit with a P.K. Subban slap shot in the first period. The shot cause some significant damage as the defenseman is expected to miss one month. Expect him to be back in early-to-mid March.

Cizikas has missed the last six games with an upper-body injury, but will be back in tonight vs. the Panthers. Cizikas will replace Ross Johnston and returns to the lineup with just 11 points (5G / 6A) in 40 games this season.

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.

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.