New York Islanders News

Vanecek has seemingly secured the Devils' starting gig as he appears to be the starter for the fifth time in their last six games. Vanecek has been far from perfect but has done enough to give the high-scoring Devils (3.91 GF / GP) a chance to win on most nights, posting a 3.05 GAA and .900 SV% through eight games (6-2-0). The Devils, without Jack Hughes, are +160 road underdogs against the Colorado Avalanche, who will be desperate for a victory after being shut out in three of their last four contests (1-3-0).

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.

Vanecek allowed three goals on 25 shots in the Devils' win in Minnesota on Thursday. Vanecek was given a night off on Friday but will be back in the crease Sunday in Chicago. Vanecek comes in riding a three-game winning streak despite allowing a combined 10 goals on 86 shots (.884 SV%). Vanecek and the Devils are late -205 favourites, so he makes for a great start even with the Devils missing Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier.

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).

Vanecek has appeared in four straight games for the Devils and currently finds himself in the midst of a two-game winning streak after stopping 31 of 34 shots (.912 SV%) and beating Minnesota in his previous start. The 27-year-old has won despite his mediocre play this season as he is 4-2-0, .895 SV%, and 3.24 GAA. He takes on the reeling Minnesota Wild, who have dropped their previous three games but are tied for seventh in the NHL in goals per game (3.56).

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)

Vanecek has appeared in four straight games for the Devils and currently finds himself in the midst of a two-game winning streak after stopping 31 of 34 shots (.912 SV%) and beating Minnesota in his previous start. The 27-year-old has won despite his mediocre play this season as he is 4-2-0, .895 SV%, and 3.24 GAA. He takes on the reeling Minnesota Wild, who have dropped their previous three games but are tied for seventh in the NHL in goals per game (3.56).

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).

Sorokin will return to the Islanders' crease after watching Semyon Varlamov record a 34-save shutout in a 2-0 victory for his New York Islanders on Saturday. It was the second time in seven games that Sorokin was given the night off early this season. Sorokin's early season 2.80 GAA and .915 SV% are slightly below his career average of 2.35 GAA and .923 SV%. Even as -149 home favourites on Monday, Sorokin and the Islanders will have their work cut out for them against the high-scoring Detroit Red Wings, who rank third in the league offensively (4.00 GF/GP).

Sorokin is likely to return to the crease after watching Semyon Varlamov record a 34-save shutout in a 2-0 victory for his New York Islanders on Saturday. It was the second time in seven games that Sorokin was given the night off early this season. Sorokin's early season 2.80 GAA and .915 SV% are slightly below his career average of 2.35 GAA and .923 SV%. Even as -149 home favourites on Monday, Sorokin and the Islanders will have their work cut out for them against the high-scoring Detroit Red Wings, who rank third in the league offensively (4.00 GF/GP).