NHL Hockey Player News

Varlamov stopped 30 of 31 shots in the Islanders' win over the Devils last Thursday. With Ilya Sorokin struggling again on Sunday, Varlamov is likely to start for the fourth time in six games on Tuesday. He's been the best goalie in the NHL through three starts, going 3-0-0 with a 0.33 GAA, .988 SV% and two shutouts.

Beauvillier was banged up mid-way through Sunday's loss in New Jersey and may not be available for Tuesday's game in Washington. Monitor Beauvillier's status during Tuesday's gameday skate and look for Kiefer Bellows to replace him in the lineup if he can't go.

Chytil was forced to leave Saturday's game in Pittsburgh after being hit by Evan Rodrigues. This is a tough break for Chytil, who has had a terrific start to the season, scoring two goals with one assist in his last four games. With Chytil out on Tuesday, Brett Howden will likely take on a larger role vs. the Sabres.

Georgiev was pulled after allowing four goals on 20 shots in the Rangers' loss to New Jersey last Tuesday. Igor Shesterkin started the last two games but lost both, so they'll come back to Georgiev on Tuesday. He posted a 23-save shutout in his first start of the season but draws a tough assignment against a Sabres team that is playing good hockey to start the season.

Elliott stopped all 40 shots that he faced in the Flyers' shutout win over the Sabres last Tuesday. Carter Hart started the last two games but was lit up Saturday in Boston, so they'll go with the veteran in the first game of a two-game set in New Jersey. Elliott has stopped 53 of the 55 shots (.964 SV%) that he's faced so far this season.

Koivu missed the first six games of the season but will make his debut Tuesday vs. the Panthers. The 37-year-old centre, who had 21 points (4G / 17A) in 55 games a season ago, will play on the fourth line with Mikhail Grigorenko and Kevin Stenlund.

Cernak left Saturday's game in Columbus in the first period after falling awkwardly into the boards. With Cernak listed as day-to-day, he should be considered questionable for Thursday's game and Cal Foote would likely draw in to replace him if he can't go.

Stephens was forced to leave Saturday's game in Columbus with an ugly looking lower-body injury. His leg buckled underneath him awkwardly and head coach Jon Cooper confirmed it will sideline him indefinitely on Monday morning. With Stephens out, Alexander Volkov will likely draw into the lineup on Thursday.

Pastrnak took off his "no contact" jersey for Monday's practice and could make his season debut later this week. Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy said that he will not play Tuesday or Thursday vs. the Penguins but may play Saturday in Washington. Cassidy said that Pastrnak will immediately return to the top line with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand.

Nutivaara missed the first two games of the season due to COVID-19 protocol but will travel on the Panthers' upcoming trip to Columbus and Detroit. He skated on the "fourth pair" in Monday's practice, suggesting that his Panthers debut may not come until the second game of the trip, Thursday vs. his former team.

Bobrovsky allowed four goals on 36 shots in the Panthers' 5-4 overtime win over the Blackhawks last Tuesday. With COVID-19 postponements interfering with the Panthers schedule, Bobrovsky will make his second start of the year one full week after his first. Tuesday's game will mark his third return to Columbus--he was 1-1-1 with a 2.00 GAA and .944 SV% in three games against his former team in 2020.