Rittich stopped 26 of 28 shots in the Flames win in St. Louis on Sunday. Rittich started both games of the Flames’ weekend back-to-back, winning both games while stopping 60 of 63 shots (.952 SV%). In his first start against the Stars, Rittich allowed four goals on 28 shots in a 4-3 overtime loss (Nov.28).
Rittich stopped 26 of 28 shots in the Flames win in St. Louis on Sunday. Rittich started both games of the Flames’ weekend back-to-back, winning both games while stopping 60 of 63 shots (.952 SV%). In his first start against the Stars, Rittich allowed four goals on 28 shots in a 4-3 overtime loss (Nov.28).
Rittich allowed one goal on five shots after replacing Mike Smith in the Flames win over the Flyers on Wednesday. With Smith listed as day-to-day, Rittich could get the next couple of games. The 26-year-old is 4-3-0 with a 1.72 GAA, .946 SV% and one shutout on the road this season.
Varlamov was pulled after he gave up three goals on 18 shots in Colorado’s loss to the Oilers on Tuesday. Varlamov has struggled as of late, losing three in a row while giving up a combined 14 goals on 73 shots (.808 SV%). In his first start against the Stars, Varlamov stopped 27 of 29 shots in a 3-2 win on November 24th.
Varlamov allowed five goals on 23 shots in Colorado’s loss in Tampa Bay on Saturday. Varlamov has had a nice season but has struggled mightily in his last two starts—giving up a combined 11 goals on 55 shots (.800 SV%). In his first start against the Oilers, Varlamov allowed one goal on 27 shots in a 4-1 win (Nov.11).
Varlamov allowed five goals on 23 shots in Colorado’s loss in Tampa Bay on Saturday. Varlamov has had a nice season but has struggled mightily in his last two starts—giving up a combined 11 goals on 55 shots (.800 SV%). In his first start against the Oilers, Varlamov allowed one goal on 27 shots in a 4-1 win (Nov.11).
Lee was forced to leave Saturday’s game in Detroit following a huge hit by Niklas Kronwall. Lee ended up returning to the game but it’s good to know that there were no lingering effects post-game. Lee will be in the lineup vs. the Penguins and has five goals and two assists in his last eight games.
Pelech has played in the last eight games but will be replaced by Luca Sbisa in Detroit on Saturday. Pelech has had a solid season, picking up six points (2G / 4A) with a plus-8 rating in 24 games this season.
Duclair was a healthy scratch for the last four games but will replace Lukas Sedlak in the lineup on Saturday. Duclair has recorded eight goals and four assists (12 points) in 24 games this season and will skate on the third line tonight.
Varlamov had a rough night on Tuesday, allowing six goals on 32 shots in Colorado’s loss in Pittsburgh. One bad night shouldn’t take away from what has been a strong season for the veteran netminder. However, he could have a hard time getting back on track in Tampa Bay, where the Lightning are 12-4-0 this year.
Varlamov stopped all 24 of the Red Wings shots in Colorado’s 2-0 shutout win in Detroit on Sunday. Varlamov has been fantastic, winning six of his last seven (6-0-1) with a 1.83 GAA, .935 SV% and one shutout. The 30-year-old has been great on the road too, going 6-3-1 with a 2.21 GAA and .932 SV% in 10 starts.
Rittich surrendered four goals on 28 shots in the Flames loss to the Stars last Wednesday. Rittich has lost two straight starts but finished November at 5-1-1 with a 2.30 GAA, .911 SV% and one shutout. Tonight he will take on a Blue Jackets team that has won eight of their last 12 (8-3-1) contests.
Varlamov made 36 saves on 38 shots in Colorado’s win in Nashville on Tuesday. Varlamov extended his winning streak to five games, posting a 2.21 GAA and .928 SV% in the process. The 30-year-old has been strong at the Pepsi Center, going 4-2-1 with a 2.15 GAA and .928 SV% in seven starts.
Rittich allowed two goals on 28 shots in the Flames 2-0 loss in Vegas last Friday. The loss snapped a six-game winning streak for Rittich, who is 6-1-0 with a 1.86 GAA, .928 SV% and one shutout in his last seven outings. Despite a strong start from Mike Smith in their last game, Rittich has clearly taken over as the Flames No.1 netminder. The Stars come in on the tail-end of a back-to-back having lost four of their last five games (1-3-1).
Cizikas has missed the last six games with a lower-body injury but appears ready-to-go in Boston on Thursday. With Cizikas back on the active roster, the Islanders have assigned Tanner Fritz to Bridgeport (AHL).
