Colorado Avalanche shut down Semyon Varlamov through all-star break

Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov, of Russia, makes a stick save. (David Zalubowski/AP)

When it rains, it pours.

The Colorado Avalanche, currently last place in the NHL, will be without goaltender Semyon Varlamov at least through the all-star break at the end of January.

Varlamov has a groin injury after allowing five goals on 26 shots against the Chicago Blackhawks Tuesday night, a 6-4 Colorado loss. He has a 6-17-0 record, .898 save percentage and 3.38 GAA this season.

Backup Calvin Pickard has seen action in 21 games so far this season and has a 7-11-1 record, .902 save percentage and 3.06 GAA. The team also recalled 21-year-old Spencer Martin, a third round pick in the 2013 draft. He has a .915 save percentage and 2.62 GAA with the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage this season.

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