Avalanche coach Roy: 95 percent chance Varlamov starts Tuesday
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov is nearing a return from his nagging groin injury, and head coach Patrick Roy says that return will like come in Tuesday's game against the St. Louis Blues.
Roy met the media Sunday and said it's all but a certainty, according to Mike Chambers of the Denver Post.
#Avalanche pregame: Patrick Roy says it's 95 percent Varlamov starts Tues vs STL but Pickard to remain w team 4 now. He starts 2nite at DET
— Mike Chambers (@MikeChambers) December 21, 2014
Calvin Pickard has been stellar in Varlamov's absence, posting a .936 save percentage and a 2.16 goals-against average in 12 games.
Pickard will make his sixth straight start on Sunday against the Detroit Red Wings.
Varlamov's groin issues have limited him to 15 games, in which he's posted a 3.22 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage.
- With h/t to Pro Hockey Talk