Avalanche's Varlamov to be placed on IR if unable to play Thursday vs. Senators

While Colorado Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov remains a game-time decision for Thursday's match against the Ottawa Senators, there are signs that his groin issue may be more serious than first thought.

For one thing, the Avalanche website already lists Varlamov as being on injured reserve. But Mike Chambers of the Denver Post reports that the roster move isn't official yet.

So either Varlamov plays against the Senators, or he goes on injured reserve and misses more than one game. 

Due to the sensitive nature of groin injuries, don't be surprised if it's the latter and Reto Berra gets the call in Ottawa.