The New York Islanders announced on Mar. 24 that goaltender David Rittich will start in their game against the Chicago Blackhawks at UBS Arena, while defenseman Ryan Pulock remains sidelined due to a lower-body injury.
Pulock, who has recorded 25 points in 67 games this season, was on the ice before morning skate but did not participate in the team session and is set to miss his second consecutive game. Head Coach Patrick Roy said Anthony Duclair, who also missed Sunday’s game with a lower-body injury, skated and is available but will not play against Chicago. Duclair has tallied 27 points across 60 games this season.
Rittich enters Tuesday’s matchup with a record of 14-9-3, a goals-against average of 2.69, a save percentage of .898, and two shutouts for the current campaign. The morning skate lines featured Anders Lee skating alongside Bo Horvat and Emil Heineman on the top line.
Kyle Palmieri also made an appearance before the team’s practice session by taking shots on Semyon Varlamov. Although Palmieri is not expected to return this season due to injury, his participation was seen as encouraging for both him and his teammates.
As the Islanders continue their playoff push late in the season, injuries remain a factor affecting lineup decisions.
