Lou Lamoriello Provides Key Updates on NY Islanders' Goaltending Injuries

New York Islanders GM and President of Hockey Operations Lou Lamoriello spoke with the media ahead of Saturday night's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning and provided injury updates on the team's two backup goaltenders, Marcus Hogberg and Semyon Varlamov.

Hogberg injured his right hand late in the team's 3-2 OT win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Jan. 26, having to be replaced by injured before the start of overtime. Lamoriello said that the upper-body injury has a four-week timeline. Hogberg, who was recently placed on IR, should be on track to return to the lineup shortly after the 4 Nations Face-off February break. The Swedish goaltender has been spectacular in his return to the NHL this season, allowing eight goals on 151 shots for a 1.45 GAA and a .947 save percentage. The GAA and save percentage are the best in Islander history for any goalie who played multiple games.

Meanwhile, the news is not as good for Varlamov. The 36-year-old veteran, in his second year of a four-year extension he signed, hasn't played since Nov. 29th. It appeared that Varlamov was working his way back to the lineup, but Lamoriello advised he is now considered out indefinitely and is no longer facing shots. Varlamov had a 3-4-3 record in 10 appearances this season, posting a 2.89 GAA and .889 save percentage.

With both Varlamov and Hogberg out of the lineup, Jakub Skarek was recalled earlier this week from Bridgeport where he had 5-11-1 record with a 3.22 GAA and an .895 save percentage in 20 games. Head Coach Patrick Roy said that he would expect Skarek to play at some point, but with Sorokin now playing at the top of his game, the coach could feel inclined to ride him until the break in the schedule. However, the Islanders have two back-to-backs, one this weekend and the on Feb 7 and 8th when they take on the Winnipeg Jets and Minnesota Wild.