Though coach Patrick Roy previously indicated earlier in the week that Varlamov would start Thursday against the Canucks, Reto Berra will instead receive the nod for the Avalanche, Terry Frei of the Denver Post reports.

Though coach Patrick Roy previously indicated earlier in the week that Varlamov would start Thursday against the Canucks, Reto Berra will instead receive the nod for the Avalanche, Terry Frei of the Denver Post reports.

Analysis:

After Varlamov was pulled early in Wednesday's loss to the Oilers upon surrendering three goals on seven shots, Roy said he would "think about" whether he'd stick with the plan to give the goalie another turn Thursday. With Roy evidently changing his mind, Varlamov will earn a rest that was probably long overdue, as he's started 28 of the Avs' last 29 games in goal. Wednesday's loss almost certainly ends the Avs' playoff hopes, so it's possible that Roy could rest Varlamov with even more frequency over the final few contests.