New York Islanders News

Pulock got into the lineup for the last two games, but averaged just 9:03 TOI per game. He did pick up one assist, but will be replaced by Nikolay Kulemin tonight as the Islanders go back to 12 forwards and six defensemen.

Mayfield missed Saturday’s game vs. San Jose, but will replace Dennis Seidenberg in the lineup tonight. Mayfield is averaging just 16:32 TOI/GM on the Islanders blueline and has picked up just one assist in six games, so look elsewhere in season-long leagues and daily contests.

Varlamov gave up four goals on 34 shots in Colorado’s loss in Nashville last Tuesday. Jonathan Bernier started on Saturday, giving Varlamov exactly one week off. After starting the season at 3-0-0, Varlamov has lost his last two starts while allowing a combined six goals on 69 shots (.913 SV%). It’s been a strong start for the veteran netminder, but he draws a tough matchup with the Stars in town tonight.

Pulock, 23, was a first round pick in 2013 and Islanders fans have been clamouring to get Pulock a full-time lineup spot, but he will make his season debut tonight as a seventh-defenseman. The 23-year-old had 46 points (15G / 31A) in 55 games with Bridgeport (AHL) last season but has just four points (2G / 2A) in 16 career NHL games. Pulock rotated with Johnny Boychuk on the top PP-unit in Wednesday’s practice.

Varlamov allowed two goals on 35 shots in Colorado’s 3-1 loss to Dallas on Saturday. The loss snapped Varlamov’s three-game winning streak to open the season. The Russian netminder has started the year at 3-1-0 with a 1.76 GAA, .944 SV% and one shutout in four starts. He will take on a Nashville team that is tied for 19th in scoring (2.80 GF/PG).

Varlamov stopped 20 of 23 shots in Colorado’s win over the Bruins on Wednesday. Jonathan Bernier started last night so the Avalanche will start tonight in Dallas. He has been great through the first week and a half of the season, going 3-0-0 with a 1.67 GAA and .945 SV% to this point.

Varlamov stopped all 29 shots that he faced in Colorado’s shutout win in Boston on Monday afternoon. In his first two starts of the season, Varlamov has stopped 66 of 68 shots (.971 SV%) en route to a 2-0-0 start. Tonight he will take on the Bruins again—they’re still without Patrice Bergeron and David Backes, but expect a better effort from them tonight.

Palmieri missed Monday’s afternoon game with a lower-body injury that he suffered on Saturday, but will return to the lineup tonight in Toronto. The early emergence of Jesper Bratt is a threat to Palmieri and his minutes, but he will start back on the top-line this evening.

Palmieri left the Devils season opener after playing just 10:29 TOI and will not be available for this afternoon’s game in Buffalo. With Palmieri out, Jesper Bratt will get an opportunity to play on the Devils’ top line with Taylor Hall and Pavel Zacha.

Varlamov turned aside 37 of 39 shots in Colorado’s opening night win in New York. It was an excellent start to 2017-18 for Varlamov, who has given Saturday night in New Jersey off. Varlamov will return to the crease in Boston, where the Bruins will be playing without Patrice Bergeron.

Clutterbuck came out of the lineup on Saturday because of a lower-body injury that he suffered on opening night. Clutterbuck will sit for a second straight game, which means the Islanders will go with the same lineup today vs. the Blues.

Palmieri recorded two assists in 10:29 TOI in the season opener before departing with a lower-body injury. The 26-year-old winger did travel to Buffalo, so he may not miss any time. Expect John Hynes to address the media around 12:45 pm ET and if Palmieri can’t play, look for Jesper Bratt to take his spot on the top line.

After starting 57-plus games for three straight seasons, Varlamov was bit by the injury bug last season, starting just 23 games. In his 24 appearances, the Russian netminder struggled to an ugly 3.38 GAA and .898 SV%. Varlamov plays behind one of the worst teams in the NHL which will limit his upside in 2017-18. Look for him to improve on last year’s numbers, but he draws a difficult matchup in his first start of the year.