Semyon Varlamov is expected to start Tuesday's game against the Predators, Marc Moser of the Altitude Radio Network reports.

Varlamov is expected to start Tuesday's game against the Predators, Marc Moser of the Altitude Radio Network reports.

Analysis:

Varlamov had been playing his best hockey of the season prior to the All-Star break, surrendering two or fewer goals in all but three of his 10 January starts. He'll face one of his stiffer tests of the month against the Predators, a team that has a 15-point cushion over the Avalanche in the Central Division. Fortunately for Varlamov and the Avs, they'll catch Nashville without Pekka Rinne (knee), as backup Carter Hutton is expected to get the nod in the opposite net.