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  • Scores again Thursday
    Aho scored a goal on three shots in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Islanders.

    Advice: Aho extended the Islanders' lead to 3-1 midway through the second period, beating Ilya Sorokin with a wrister from between the circles, the eventual game-winner in Carolina's one-goal victory. The 26-year-old Aho now has two goals and three points in his last two games after tallying 36 goals and 89 points in 78 regular-season contests. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 8:19 pm
     
  • Nets first of the playoffs
    Nelson scored a goal on two shots in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Hurricanes.

    Advice: Nelson cut the Islanders' deficit to 3-2 with 2:21 remaining in the second period, burying a rebound past Frederik Andersen, though New York would ultimately come up a goal short in the Game 3 loss. It's the first goal and second point for Nelson in the postseason. The 32-year-old center tallied 34 goals and 69 points in 82 games this year. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 8:04 pm
     
  • Another win in Game 3
    Andersen stopped 29 of 31 shots in Thursday's 3-2 victory over the Islanders.

    Advice: After alternating starts with Pyotr Kochetkov late in the regular season, Andersen's now started each of the first three games against the Islanders, posting an excellent .922 save percentage while helping the Canes jump out to a convincing 3-0 series lead. The 34-year-old netminder figures to be back in goal Saturday as Carolina will look for an opening-series sweep in Game 4 on the road. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 7:57 pm
     
  • Needed in relief
    Varlamov stopped eight shots after entering in relief of Ilya Sorokin in the second period of Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Hurricanes.

    Advice: After Varlamov dropped the first two games of the series, the Islanders turned to Ilya Sorokin on Thursday in an attempt to change the momentum. However, Sorokin allowed three goals on Carolina's first 14 shots before the Isles turned back to Varlamov midway through the second period. The 35-year-old Varlamov managed to hold the Canes scoreless over the game's final 30:33 minutes, though New York ultimately couldn't find a tying goal, leaving Sorokin with the loss. Varlamov figures to be back between the pipes for Saturday's do-or-die Game 4. Despite the Islanders' struggles thus far in the series, Varlamov's posted a solid .915 save percentage in three postseason appearances. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 7:37 pm
     
  • Pulled in the second
    Sorokin allowed three goals on 14 shots before he was replaced by Semyon Varlamov in the second period of Thursday's 3-2 loss to Carolina.

    Advice: Looking to climb out of a 2-0 hole in the series, the Islanders elected to switch things up and turn to Sorokin in net for Game 3. The 28-year-old netminder allowed two goals on the first six shots he faced in the first period and a third tally to Sebastian Aho 7:14 into the second before he was pulled in favor of Varlamov. Sorokin seemed to be the Islanders' unquestioned starter after signing an eight-year extension prior to the season. However, he was outplayed down the stretch by Varlamov, who took over the top goaltending job heading into the playoffs. Sorokin went 25-19-12 this year with a career-low .908 save percentage and 3.01 GAA. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 7:24 pm
     
  • Likely out for postseason
    Fast (upper body) is unlikely to recover before the end of the playoffs, coach Rod Brind'Amour told Cory Lavalette of the North State Journal on Thursday.

    Advice: Fast was injured during the Hurricanes' regular-season finale April 16. He had six goals and 19 points in 73 contests in 2023-24. Fast is in the first campaign of a two-year, $4.8 million contract, so even if he does miss the remainder of the postseason, he likely hasn't played in his final contest with Carolina. The 32-year-old serves in a bottom-six capacity when healthy. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 4:27 pm
     
  • Expected to play Thursday
    Martin (undisclosed) was in his usual spot during line rushes, indicating he'll play in Thursday's Game 3 versus the Hurricanes, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports.

    Advice: Martin has played on the fourth line throughout the campaign, so his presence in the lineup isn't likely to make a big impact in fantasy. The 34-year-old has no points, 19 hits and 21 PIM over his last 10 outings. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 4:11 pm
     
  • Out Thursday
    Fleury (undisclosed) won't return for Game 3 on Thursday, Chris Krenn of the Lightning's official site reports.

    Advice: Fleury hasn't been in the lineup since April 6 because of the injury. He has a goal and five points in 24 contests this season. Fleury might be deployed on the third pairing once he's recovered, but it's also possible Tampa Bay would make him a healthy scratch if he's able to return during the playoffs. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 3:35 pm
     
  • In goal for Game 3
    Vasilevskiy will guard the home goal versus the Panthers on Thursday in Game 3, Chris Krenn of the Lightning's official site reports.

    Advice: Vasilevskiy has lost four games in a row, though the Lightning haven't scored more than twice in any of those contests. The 29-year-old will look for more goal support on home ice in Thursday's contest, as a loss would put Tampa Bay down 3-0 in the series. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 3:34 pm