Semyon Varlamov will be back in Colorado’s goal when the Avalanche host Carolina tonight.
Varlamov, after registering a lowly .841 save percentage in three starts, was forced to watch backup Reto Berra play the last two games. Berra won the first, shutting out the Ducks in Anaheim. He lost the second, but stopped an impressive 38 of 40 shots as the Avs fell 2-1 to the Kings.
Despite Berra (.975) owning the better numbers early, Varlamov is still the man for the Avs.
“Varly is our No. 1 goalie,” coach Patrick Roy told the Denver Post. “It’s time for him. He’s been practicing really well.”
No word yet if it’ll be Cam Ward or Eddie Lack for Carolina. The Hurricanes play back-to-back Friday and Saturday in Los Angeles and San Jose, respectively, so both goalies should get some action on the road trip.
Elsewhere…
-- Tuukka Rask for the Bruins versus Michal Neuvirth for the Flyers, as previously mentioned here.
-- Jonathan Bernier for the Leafs versus Chad Johnson for the Sabres.
-- Petr Mrazek for the Red Wings versus Cam Talbot for the Oilers.