Islanders Fall 5-4 in OT to Avalanche Phoenix, AZ -- The New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/game-day/new-york-islanders-blow-lead-colorado-avalanche-5-4-ot-stan-fischler] suffered a pair of injuries on Tuesday, with defenseman Robert Bortuzzo [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/new-york-islanders-ryan-pulock-ir-acquire-robert-bortuzzo] and goaltender Semyon Varlamov [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/islanders-should-address-goaltending-depth-before-its-too-late] leaving the game early. Head coach Lane Lambert did not provide an update following their 5-4 overtime loss, but the team announced two transactions that provide more information on their statuses. Bortuzzo was placed on Injured Reserve, while goaltender Kenny Appleby was recalled from the AHL’s Bridgeport Islanders on an emergency basis. Varlamov departed Tuesday night’s game at 14:52 of the first period after he was slow to get up following a point shot. Bortuzzo suffered a lower-body injury at 15:41 of the second period after he got tied up with Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard before Girard's check sent Bortuzzo onto the ice and into the boards. He needed to be helped off the ice. While Varlamov was not placed on IR as of yet, it’s his second potential injury in as many weeks. Varlamov missed the Islanders’ matchup with the Washington Capitals on Dec. 29 due to maintenance after "tweaking" something in the third period of the Islanders' 7-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in relief of Sorokin. But Varlamov was healthy enough to travel and back up Sorokin on New Year's Eve before returning to the starter's crease Tuesday night. The Islanders were getting healthier on the backend, with Scott Mayfield back in the lineup for the last two games after an eight-game absence. Defenseman Adam Pelech [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/game-day/new-york-islanders-scott-mayfield-adam-pelech0semyon-varlamov-travel], who hasn't played since Nov. 24 traveled and did participate in the last two skates. If the Islanders want to activate Pelech out of LTIR, they will need to create a roster spot since Appleby took the spot that Bortuzzo's IR stint created. If Pelech is not ready to go Thursday night against the Arizona Coyotes, Sebastian Aho will draw back in after being a healthy scratch Tuesday night. Matthew Page [https://twitter.com/matthewpage24] contributed to this report.
