EAST MEADOW, NY -- New York Islanders [http://thn.com/isles] goaltender Ilya Sorokin [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/islanders-ilya-sorokin-dealing-with-small-nagging-issue-marcus-hogberg-recalled-from-bridgeport] will return to the crease on Tuesday night against the New Jersey Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils]. Sorokin, 30, has not started since Dec. 19 when he made 27 saves in a 4-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks due to a "nagging" lower-body injury. He backed up David Rittich in their 4-3 overtime win against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday after being activated off Injured Reserve. Rittich had started the previous seven games in Sorokin's absence, going 4-2-1 with and 2.30 GAA and a .911 SV%. "We don't have the record that we have without him," Islanders captain Anders Lee said on Rittich. "I think he's stolen a few games. He's come in and saved us a few times, and just played phenomenal hockey. And, like, I've been saying that he's such a gamer. He shows up and plays great every night. Rittich has just been so great back there, brings us a bunch of energy, and has done his job extremely well." Rittich has allowed the Islanders not to rush Sorokin back, a goaltender who has been on a tear. He's 12-10-2 on the season, with a 2.55 GAA and a .910 SV%. Since Oct. 25, the first game with Sergei Naumov as the goaltending coach, he's 10-7-2, with a 2.20 GAA and a .920 SV%. "David's playing so well for us. He brings a lot of confidence," Roy said. "There was no hurry for Ilya to come in, which gave him a chance to come in and feel really ready. And that's the plan for any injuries. You want guys coming back 100%." Forward Bo Horvat (lower body) could travel when the team embarks on its seven-game road trip on Wednesday. Defenseman Matthew Schaefer (flu) will be a game-time decision for Tuesday. Puck drop against the Devils is at 7:30 PM ET.
