Lawson Crouse will draw back into Utah's lineup on Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, resulting in Maccelli being a healthy scratch. The 24-year-old Maccelli zero points in his last five game and will be a healthy scratch for the second time in the last two weeks.
The Islanders have won eight of their last nine (8-1-0) and will likely turn to Sorokin between the pipes on Friday against the Winnipeg Jets. Sorokin was excellent in his most recent outing, saving 33 of 34 shots (.971 SV%) in a 2-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. The 29-year-old netminder has an outstanding .952 SV% and two shutouts in his last nine games (8-1-0).
The Islanders' seven-game win streak snapped in their most recent outing, a 6-3 loss to the Florida Panthers, with Sorokin serving as the team's backup, but he will return to the crease on Tuesday against the Vegas Golden Knights. The 29-year-old Sorokin has been tremendous lately, allowing two or fewer goals in seven of his last eight (7-1-0) and posting a stellar .949 SV%. The Islanders enter Tuesday's contest as +133 home underdogs against a Golden Knights club amid a three-game losing skid (0-1-2).
Mayfield exited Saturday's 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning after only 10:03 time-on-ice due to a lower-body injury and did not play on Sunday. The 32-year-old Mayfield is averaging 17:33 time-on-ice and has seven points (2G / 5A) in 50 games this season. The Islanders return to action on Tuesday against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Barzal did not play in New York's 6-3 loss to the Florida Panthers on Sunday and will be sidelined indefinitely due to a lower-body injury. The 27-year-old Barzal has already missed significant time this season due to injuries and has only played 30 games, scoring 20 points (6G / 14A).
Kessel has spent most of the 2024-25 season with the Blues, scoring three points (0G / 3A) in 27 games, but has been assigned to the Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL). The 24-year-old has 11 points (4G / 7A) in 17 games with Springfield.
Varlamov had been on the ice taking shots recently but suffered a setback and is out indefinitely. Varlamov has been out since November 29th and does not have a timeline for his return.
Duclair missed the Islanders' morning skate and head coach Patrick Roy does not expect him to play vs. the Lightning. Look for Maxim Tsyplakov to move back up the lineup and for Pierre Engvall to re-enter the lineup to replace Duclair.
Kessel will make his first appearance since December 12th, filling for Colton Parayko, who was late scratch on Friday due to an illness. Kessel has no goals and three assists in 26 games this season.
Kessel spent the first part of the season in St. Louis, playing 26 games with the Blues, but has been in the AHL since mid December. The 24-year-old defenseman has 11 points (4G / 7A) in 17 games with the Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL).
