Sun Dec 28 01:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Islanders’ Rittich Proving to be a Key Acquisition for Darche’s Islanders
Elmont, NY – When Mathieu Darche took the reins as General Manager of the New York Islanders, he promised a measured approach focused on stability. Now, one of his first moves, the signing of goaltender David Rittich, is paying major dividends, solidifying his place as a crucial piece of the team’s success.
Brought in not to usurp Ilya Sorokin but to provide reliable support, Rittich has exceeded expectations. His performance in Tuesday night’s game against the New Jersey Devils showcased his value, with a string of crucial saves keeping the Islanders in contention.
“He made huge saves for us,” Head Coach Patrick Roy said after the game. “Even in the first, he kept us in the game… I love his energy out there. He battles, he fights and it’s impressive.”
Rittich faced a barrage of shots early, stopping 14 of 15 in the first period alone. He followed that with a highlight-reel breakaway save on Devils star Jack Hughes, a moment that seemed to shift the momentum in the Islanders’ favor. Even a broken skate blade couldn’t deter him in the third, as he continued to deny scoring chances.
The UBS Arena crowd roared its appreciation, chanting “Rittich” in recognition of his stellar play. His teammates awarded him the Iron Man mask, a testament to his toughness and dedication.
With Semyon Varlamov’s future uncertain and the team navigating a demanding schedule, Rittich’s reliability has become invaluable. Darche’s decision to sign Rittich is proving to be more than just acquiring a backup; it’s about securing trust in a goaltender who delivers when needed, providing the Islanders with a critical edge as they fight for playoff positioning.
First Piper 