NY Islanders place Semyon Varlamov on IR and recall Pierre Engvall

NY Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov, who last took the ice on November 29, is set to miss his eighth straight game and has been placed on IR ahead of this afternoon's game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Varly has appeared in 10 games this season, posting a 2.89 GAA with a .889 SV% while recording three victories.

Varly to IR

Since his absence, Marcus Hogberg has been recalled from the Bridgeport Islanders. He has appeared in one game, spelling Ilya Sorokin in the third period of the Islanders' matchup with the Seattle Kraken, making 11 saves and not allowing a goal.

But for now, it appears as if Sorokin will be making the majority of starts for the Islanders, scheduled to take the crease for an eighth straight game today. The Isles' top netminder has been phenomenal in Varlamov's absence outside of the game against Seattle and had his head coach standing up for him after the team's defensive lapses in front of him during the third period of Isles' win against the Blackhawks on Thursday.

Placing Varlamov on IR has created a roster spot for the Islanders, and less than 24 hours after clearing waivers, Pierre Engvall has been recalled.

Bo Horvat is a game-time decision after suffering a knock in Thursday's win, and by recalling Engvall, if Horvat is unable to go, the islanders will be able to ice 12 forwards and six defensemen.

Patrick Roy has been critical of Engvall's game, but with limited options in Bridgeport, Engvall gets the call again, and will likely have to clear waivers soon again.