Varlamov was slated to start Saturday's game in Arizona but will not be available due to an illness. With Varlamov sick, Philipp Grubauer will get the start and Pavel Francouz was called up to be the backup.

Varlamov was slated to start Saturday's game in Arizona but will not be available due to an illness. With Varlamov sick, Philipp Grubauer will get the start and Pavel Francouz was called up to be the backup.

Varlamov allowed three goals on 20 shots in Colorado’s loss to the Islanders on Monday. Varlamov is in the middle of a rough stretch, having lost four of his last five while allowing a combined 21 goals on 135 shots (.844 SV%). Despite starting in the second game of a back-to-back, Varlamov has a good chance to get back in the win column in Arizona.


Varlamov was pulled after he gave up three goals on 18 shots in Colorado’s loss to the Oilers on Tuesday. Varlamov has struggled as of late, losing three in a row while giving up a combined 14 goals on 73 shots (.808 SV%). In his first start against the Stars, Varlamov stopped 27 of 29 shots in a 3-2 win on November 24th.

Varlamov allowed five goals on 23 shots in Colorado’s loss in Tampa Bay on Saturday. Varlamov has had a nice season but has struggled mightily in his last two starts—giving up a combined 11 goals on 55 shots (.800 SV%). In his first start against the Oilers, Varlamov allowed one goal on 27 shots in a 4-1 win (Nov.11).

Varlamov allowed five goals on 23 shots in Colorado’s loss in Tampa Bay on Saturday. Varlamov has had a nice season but has struggled mightily in his last two starts—giving up a combined 11 goals on 55 shots (.800 SV%). In his first start against the Oilers, Varlamov allowed one goal on 27 shots in a 4-1 win (Nov.11).

Pelech has played in the last eight games but will be replaced by Luca Sbisa in Detroit on Saturday. Pelech has had a solid season, picking up six points (2G / 4A) with a plus-8 rating in 24 games this season.

Duclair was a healthy scratch for the last four games but will replace Lukas Sedlak in the lineup on Saturday. Duclair has recorded eight goals and four assists (12 points) in 24 games this season and will skate on the third line tonight.

Varlamov had a rough night on Tuesday, allowing six goals on 32 shots in Colorado’s loss in Pittsburgh. One bad night shouldn’t take away from what has been a strong season for the veteran netminder. However, he could have a hard time getting back on track in Tampa Bay, where the Lightning are 12-4-0 this year.

Varlamov stopped all 24 of the Red Wings shots in Colorado’s 2-0 shutout win in Detroit on Sunday. Varlamov has been fantastic, winning six of his last seven (6-0-1) with a 1.83 GAA, .935 SV% and one shutout. The 30-year-old has been great on the road too, going 6-3-1 with a 2.21 GAA and .932 SV% in 10 starts.


Varlamov made 36 saves on 38 shots in Colorado’s win in Nashville on Tuesday. Varlamov extended his winning streak to five games, posting a 2.21 GAA and .928 SV% in the process. The 30-year-old has been strong at the Pepsi Center, going 4-2-1 with a 2.15 GAA and .928 SV% in seven starts.

Palat has been out since October 26th but will draw back into the lineup vs. the Sabres. Palat is expected to be back on the fourth line and on the second power-play unit in his return. He has five assists in nine games this season.

Cizikas has missed the last six games with a lower-body injury but appears ready-to-go in Boston on Thursday. With Cizikas back on the active roster, the Islanders have assigned Tanner Fritz to Bridgeport (AHL).

Varlamov turned aside 27 of 29 shots in Colorado’s win over the Stars on Saturday. Varlamov is riding a four-game winning streak, posting a 2.26 GAA and .922 SV%. In his first game vs. the Predators, Varlamov allowed three goals on 33 shots in a 4-1 loss.

Martin has missed the last 10 games with an upper-body injury but head coach Barry Trotz said: “there’s a chance” that he plays Monday. Martin doesn’t bring a lot of offense to the Islanders lineup, having registered just three goals and one assist in 11 games.

DeAngelo was a healthy scratch on Saturday but will replace Frederik Claesson tonight vs. the Senators. DeAngelo has played very well this season, picking up eight points (2G / 6A) and 27 shots while playing 19:11 TOI/gm in 15 games.

Varlamov allowed three goals on 36 shots in Colorado’s win in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Philipp Grubauer started last night, so Varlamov will go tonight vs. the Stars. The 30-year-old has won three straight and comes into Saturday at 3-2-1 with 2.18 GAA and .927 SV% on home-ice this season.

DeAngelo has been one of the Rangers best defensemen at times this season, but comes out of the lineup as a healthy scratch frequently. Overall, he has totalled eight points (2G / 6A) in 15 games this season.

Cizikas has not played since November 15th and is two weeks into this original 2-3 week timetable. Returning to the ice on his own was the next step in his recovery. Look for him to join his teammates next week and could return to the lineup by next weekend.
