New York Islanders News

Varlamov served as Calvin Pickard’s backup last Friday, but tonight he makes his first start since January 22nd. Varlamov has struggled mightily this season, going 6-14-0 with a 3.33 GAA and .901 SV% in 21 games. The Avalanche are a terrible team, which is going to limit his upside in the second half.

Palat has missed the last five games with an undisclosed injury, but is expected to face the Canadiens tonight. Palat has had a tough season, posting just 13 points (4G / 9A) in 30 games. He will skate with some familiar linemates—Tyler Johnson and Nikita Kucherov, who will also return to the lineup tonight.

Varlamov allowed two goals on 33 shots in Colorado’s win in Minnesota on Tuesday. It was a solid return to the crease for Varlamov, who missed the three previous games with a groin injury. Varlamov has now stopped 82 of the last 85 shots (.965 SV%). One of those starts games against the Maple Leafs, who he faces tonight—Varlamov stopped 51 of 52 shots in a win.

Palat was on the ice for the Lightning's morning skate, but will miss his fourth consecutive game with an undisclosed. His availability for the morning skate is a good sign that he should be available after the Christmas break.

Varlamov stopped 51 of 52 shots in Colorado’s win in Toronto on December 11th. Varlamov missed the next three games with a minor groin injury, but will be back in tonight in Minnesota. The Russian netminder has gone 3-6-0 with a 3.59 AA and .895 SV% on the road this season and will be in tough against a hot Wild team.

Palat was on the ice for the morning skate in a no-contact sweater and will miss his third straight game with an undisclosed injury. With Palat sidelined, Brian Boyle will skate on the left side of the first line.

Varlamov missed the last three games with a groin injury, but was back at practice on Monday and is set to return to the lineup on Tuesday. The Avalanche did not name a starting goalie, but Spencer Martin was reassigned to San Antonio (AHL), so Varlamov is definitely available.

Palat played 9:08 TOI before leaving the game with an undisclosed injury. Head coach Jon Cooper did not have an update on Palat’s status after the game, so consider him as questionable for Friday’s game in Vancouver.

Varlamov is coming off of his best performance of the season, having stopped 51 shots in a win over the Maple Leafs. Varlamov is dealing with a groin injury and will not dress for Wednesday’s game. In his absence, Calvin Pickard will get the start and Spencer Martin has been recalled to be the backup.

Clutterbuck has picked up two goals and seven assists (nine points) in 25 games this season. The fourth liner has played some games alongside John Tavares, but has spent the majority of the year in the bottom-6. Clutterbuck’s new contract will kick in next year and carry him through the 2021-22 season.

Mayfield, 24, has picked up two assists in two games with the Islanders this season, but just three points (1G / 2A) in 14 games with Bridgeport. There’s no word whether or not he will draw into the lineup on Tuesday.

Varlamov gave up two goals on 32 shots in Colorado’s loss to the Stars on Saturday. Varlamov has lost his las three starts while posting a 3.44 GAA and .908 SV%. The Russian netminder has had a tough season and tonight he faces the Predators for the second time—in the first meeting he was shredded for five goals on 36 shots in a 5-1 loss.

Duclair has had a very difficult first quarter of the season, having picked up just one goal and three assists in 23 games. Duclair will sit tonight and allow Brendan Perlini to make his NHL debut. Duclair is also apparently on the Coyotes’ trade block as well.

Varlamov allowed three goals on 37 shots in Colorado’s loss to the Blue Jackets on Thursday. Varlamov has lost three of his last four starts while posting a 3.30 GAA and .908 SV%. Tonight Varlamov will face the Stars for third time this season—he is 1-1-0 with a 4.03 GAA and .840 SV% in the previous two meetings.

Mayfield picked up two assists in 14:22 TOI on Wednesday, but with Dennis Seidenberg returning from IR on Thursday, Mayfield was a healthy scratch and has been sent back to Bridgeport.