Sorokin was not available for the Islanders’ final game before the holiday break against the New Jersey Devils, which Rittich helped win. Then, after the three-day break, Sorokin was placed on injured reserve with what has been called a nagging injury. Because of the retroactive date, he is eligible to return for the Blackhawks matchup.

The New York Islanders had a very special guest in attendance for their first contest after the holiday break. As the team welcomed the New York Rangers for a c

Rittich stopped 31 of 34 shots in Sunday's 4-2 loss to Columbus. The fourth goal was an empty-netter with 1:06 left in the game.

Rittich even stopped a penalty shot midway through the final period against Soucy, who had been slashed from behind by Cal Ritchie. The Rangers also were granted two power-play opportunities in the final 5:19, including 6-on-4 time with Igor Shesterkin pulled for an extra attacker.

In a thrilling matchup against the New Jersey Devils, David Rittich showcased his exceptional skills as a goaltender, earning his second Iron Man mask of the season while also being named the First Star of the game.

The Islanders placed Ilya Sorokin (lower body) on injured reserve and recalled Marcus Hogberg for Saturday's tilt. Rittich has been terrific as the Islanders' backup goaltender this season, posting an 8-3-2 record with a 2.42 GAA and a .913 save percentage. The Rangers are generating 2.62 goals per game, 28th in the NHL this season.

While the big-picture situation on Sorokin still seems relatively optimistic — the Islanders will have dodged a bullet if he returns on Tuesday, or even if he comes back Thursday at home against Utah — the situation still looks murkier than it did before the break.