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 and Nashville Predators meet Thursday. Puck drop from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, is set for 8 p.m. ET.

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.

Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin will not play until after the holiday break because of a 'nagging injury', according to the team.