Varlamov expected to be backup for Avs amid civil lawsuit
DENVER (AP) Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov is expected to be the backup Tuesday night as a civil lawsuit filed against him by a former girlfriend winds to a close.
Calvin Pickard will start in net against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Colorado coach Patrick Roy said after morning practice that the team remains behind Varlamov, who missed two recent road games to stay in Denver for the start of a trial in a lawsuit by his former girlfriend stemming from a 2013 altercation. Charges against Varlamov were dropped when prosecutors said they did not have enough evidence.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for loss of income, injuries and humiliation. She accused him of knocking her down and stomping on her at their apartment.
Roy testified last week that Varlamov told him the woman began punching him, so Varlamov locked himself in a bedroom and didn't retaliate.
