The New York Islanders are facing concerns regarding their goaltending depth as Semyon Varlamov, one of their starting goalies, is day-to-day and missed Thursday's practice. Last year, when Varlamov was out, the team had veteran Cory Schneider to step in, but this year, they lack a backup with NHL experience, with AHL goalies Skarek and Appleby, and ECHL goalies Lennox and Tikkanen having no NHL experience. This situation has prompted discussions on whether the Islanders should address their goaltending depth to avoid potential issues. Ken Appleby, who would be the backup in the absence of Varlamov, has been returned to Bridgeport, indicating that Varlamov might be ready to play, although it is not confirmed if he will travel with the team. Coach Lambert mentioned that Sorokin and Appleby will be the goaltenders for the time being. Meanwhile, the Islanders have moved Ryan Pulock from IR to LTIR, which has increased their overall Long-Term Injury salary pool to $11,900,000, leaving them with $9,950,000 in usable cap space.
Just landed in Pittsburgh. While I was in the air #Isles returned G Ken Appleby to Bridgeport and placed D Ryan Pulock on LTIR.
By placing Ryan Pulock on LTIR the #Isles have raised their overall LTI salary pool to $11,900,000. After then assigning Ken Appleby to the minors they now tentatively have $9,950,000 in usable space remaining. https://t.co/5Ja84punKk
#Isles announce that Ryan Pulock (lower body) has been moved from IR to LTIR. Pulock hadn’t skated since injury on Dec. 7. Ken Appleby has been returned to Bridgeport, which likely means Semyon Varlamov is good to go.
#Isles Transactions: Ken Appleby has been returned on loan to Bridgeport. Ryan Pulock has been placed on LTIR.
Lambert: "There were games in the past when we had the opportunity to put a game out of reach. This time we recognized the situation and had a pretty solid game all around." #Isles rebound well! Details @thehockeynews ⤵️ https://t.co/aQd0XHQet3
"We've done that in the past. So far this year, for the most part, Varlamov's played quite a bit, and we've backed Ilya off a little bit, so I don't anticipate it being a problem." The Last Time The #Isles Were Without Varlamov: https://t.co/0BMNXoYWRB https://t.co/0BMNXoYWRB
The #Isles aren't in uncharted waters if Semyon Varlamov (day-to-day, may not travel) has to miss time. I look back to the last time NYI was without Varlamov for an extended period of time @TheHockeyNews https://t.co/0BMNXoZuH9 https://t.co/0BMNXoZuH9
Varlamov, who will miss tonight, may not travel. “Haven’t determined that yet,” Lambert said. Sorokin/Appleby for time being. My story from yesterday ⤵️ https://t.co/AhNf6IoTB6
#Isles Player Update: Semyon Varlamov is day to day.
No Semyon Varlamov on the ice this morning. Looks like Ken Appleby will back up Sorokin.
Just a reminder, won’t be at #Isles morning skate. On #ALLCAPS duty for @NHLdotcom. NYI should be hitting the ice shortly. Appleby back down which is a good sign regarding Varlamov (day to day, maintenance).
NHL: Sorokin Varlamov AHL: (No NHL experience) Skarek Appleby ECHL: (No NHL experience) Lennox Tikkanen #Isles Should Address Goaltending Depth Before It's Too Late https://t.co/zR83EBpgtb https://t.co/zR83EBpgtb
Good morning. Ahead of #Isles morning skate, looks like G Ken Appleby is back in Bridgeport, per media site. Positive sign that Semyon Varlamov is good to go after missing Thursday’s practice (day to day, maintenance).
Last year when Semyon Varlamov missed time, #Isles had #NHL vet Cory Schneider to fill the backup role. This year, NYI doesn't have a goaltender with NHL experience to turn to if they need to...and that's a cause for concern: https://t.co/zR83EBoIDD https://t.co/zR83EBoIDD
The #Isles were without Semyon Varlamov at Thursday's practice, and while he may not miss any time, it begs the question. Should NYI improve their goaltending depth before it's too late? @thehockeynews https://t.co/zR83EBpgtb https://t.co/zR83EBpgtb
The hope for the #Isles is that Semyon Varlamov (day-to-day) doesn't have to miss any time. But that doesn't change the fact that the organization isn't prepared for if one of their two starters goes down. @thehockeynews https://t.co/zR83EBoIDD https://t.co/zR83EBoIDD