Semyon Varlamov has not taken strides toward returning just yet.

EAST MEADOW, NY -- New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov has yet to return to the ice since sustaining a lower-body injury in their 5-4 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals on Nov. 30, per head coach Patrick Roy.

When the puck drops on Saturday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the first of a home-and-home back-to-back, netminder Ilya Sorokin will make his 12th straight start as he continues to set a new career-high for himself.

Varlamov, who is on long-term injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 3, is eligible to return on Sunday. But he will clearly not be ready. 

Third-string netminder turned backup Marcus Hogberg is expected to start against Pittsburgh on Sunday, his first start since Apr. 28, 2021, when he was a member of the Ottawa Senators.