New York Islanders News

Sorokin will return between the pipes for the Islanders on Thursday after the team favoured Semyon Varlamov in two of their last three contests. Sorokin has played well this season but has yet to elevate to his Vezina-caliber gear that the hockey world has become accustomed to, as he has a 3.12 GAA and .911 SV% through seven games this season (3-1-3). The Islanders are +114 road underdogs against the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Bruins, who have registered a point in all but one game this season (10-1-1).

Horvat did not play on Tuesday but will travel with the team and could be an option for the Islanders' next contest on Thursday against the Boston Bruins. Horvat is averaging 19:43 time-on-ice this season and has nine points (4G / 5A) through 10 games. In Tuesday's game, Oliver Wahlstrom took his place on the top line with Anders Lee and Mathew Barzal, scoring his first goal of the season in 13:32 time-on-ice.

Pelech did not play on Saturday because of an undisclosed injury and he was a game-time decision for Tuesday's game against the Wild. The 29-year-old Pelech is averaging 20:33 time-on-ice and has racked up one point (0G / 1A), 20 blocks, and 12 hits in nine games this season.

Horvat played 20:06 on Saturday, recording two points (0G / 2A), but suffered a lower-body injury at some point, and he was a game-time decision for the Islanders' Tuesday night matchup against the Minnesota Wild as a result. Horvat is averaging 19:43 time-on-ice this season and has nine points (4G / 5A) through 10 games.

Varlamov is coming off his league-leading second shutout of the season and will be the starting goalie for the Islanders on Tuesday when they host the Minnesota Wild. Varlamov has been tremendous in his limited action between the pipes this season, even outperforming teammate and perennial Vezina-finalist Ilya Sorokin, posting a league-best 1.00 GAA and .972 SV% through three games (2-1-0). The Islanders will be tested against the Wild and their ninth-ranked offence (3.55 GF / GP) but still rank as -128 home favourites.

Mayfield just recently worked his way back into the lineup, playing two consecutive games, after missing seven straight with a lower-body injury. He did not participate in practice on Monday but, after participating in Tuesday's morning skate, is expected to play against the Minnesota Wild. Mayfield has one point (0G / 1A), five shots, five hits, and 13 blocks while averaging 19:27 time-on-ice through three games.

Pelech did not play on Saturday because of a lower-body injury and his availability to return to the Islanders lineup on Tuesday won't be confirmed until closer to game-time. The 29-year-old Pelech is averaging 20:33 time-on-ice and has racked up one point (0G / 1A), 20 blocks, and 12 hits in nine games this season.

Horvat played 20:06 on Saturday, recording two points (0G / 2A), but suffered an undisclosed injury at some point, making him a game-time decision for the Islanders' Tuesday night matchup against the Minnesota Wild. Horvat is averaging 19:43 time-on-ice this season and has nine points (4G / 5A) through 10 games.

Varlamov is coming off his league-leading second shutout of the season and appears to be the starting goalie for the Islanders on Tuesday when they host the Minnesota Wild. Varlamov has been tremendous in his limited action between the pipes this season, even outperforming teammate and perennial Vezina-finalist Ilya Sorokin, posting a league-best 1.00 GAA and .972 SV% through three games (2-1-0). The Islanders will be tested against the Wild and their ninth-ranked offence (3.55 GF / GP) but still rank as -128 home favourites.

Mayfield just recently worked his way back into the lineup, playing two consecutive games, after missing seven straight with a lower-body injury. He did not participate in practice on Monday and will be a game-time decision against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday. Mayfield has one point (0G / 1A), five shots, five hits, and 13 blocks while averaging 19:27 time-on-ice through three games.

Pelech did not play on Saturday because of a lower-body injury but appears likely to return to the Islanders lineup on Tuesday. His status will be confirmed closer to the puck drop. The 29-year-old Pelech is averaging 20:33 time-on-ice and has racked up one point (0G / 1A), 20 blocks, and 12 hits in nine games this season.

Horvat played 20:06 on Saturday, recording two points (0G / 2A), but suffered an undisclosed injury at some point, making him a game-time decision for the Islanders' Tuesday night matchup against the Minnesota Wild. Horvat is averaging 19:43 time-on-ice this season and has nine points (4G / 5A) through 10 games.

Pelech left the Islanders' previous game after just 3:24 TOI due to a lower-body injury and will not dress Saturday vs. Carolina. The 29-year-old has an assist, 10 SOG, 15 PIMs and a +2 plus/minus in nine games so far prior to his injury.

Sorokin took a rare rest and backed up Semyon Varlamov for the Islanders' previous game but will head back between the pipes Saturday vs. Carolina. The 28-year-old superstars has been steady as always this season, with his 3-1-2 record, .910 SV% and 2.99 GAA. He draws a home start vs Carolina Saturday, who snapped a three-game winning streak last game but love to work pucks on net as they are second in the NHL in shots per game (34.4).

Mayfield was forced to leave the Islanders' opening game vs Buffalo after blocking a shot and has not played since. The 31-year-old defensemen is coming off a career season in 2022-23 which saw him collect career highs in goals (6), assists (18), and SOG (119)

Varlamov has been outstanding in limited action this season and will return to the crease for his third start as the Islanders take on the Washington Capitals. In two games this season (1-1-0), Varlamov has an outrageous 1.51 GAA and .961 SV% including one shutout and has been historically great against the Capitals in his career, boasting a 2.62 GAA and .918 SV% in 21 games (7-11-3). The Islanders are -113 road favourites against a Capitals team that is 29th in the league offensively (2.13 GF / GP).