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  • Gets starting nod for Tuesday
    Varlamov will be between the road pipes for Game 5 against the Hurricanes on Tuesday, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports.

    Advice: As expected, Varlamov gets the nod after having put together a strong showing in Game 4. He stopped 42 of 44 shots on net in that must-win contest. At this point, the 36-year-old Varlamov figures to continue trying to stave off elimination for the Islanders for as long as he can. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 8:49 am
     
  • Two helpers in 2OT win
    Horvat picked up two assists Saturday during a 3-2 double-overtime win over the Hurricanes in Game 4.

    Advice: The 29-year-old helped set up both of Mathew Barzal's tallies on the afternoon, including the winner in the second OT period. Horvat has a goal and three points through four playoff games, but he could be due to light the lamp again -- he took five shots on net Saturday and has 15 in the series so far, tied with Kyle Palmieri for the team lead. Rotowire.com Sunday, 6:16 am
    Bo HorvatNYI - C
    Player Note
     
  • Plays hero in Game 4
    Barzal scored two goals, including the game-winner, Saturday in a 3-2 double-overtime victory over the Hurricanes in Game 4.

    Advice: With the Islanders facing the prospect of getting swept out of the playoffs, Barzal stepped up, beating Frederik Andersen through traffic midway through the second period before getting credit for the game-winner in double overtime when a puck bounced in off Barzal in front. Barzal had managed just one assist through the first three games in the series, and the 26-year-old will likely need to stay hot if New York is going to stay alive beyond Tuesday's Game 5 back in Carolina. Rotowire.com Sunday, 6:13 am
     
  • Busy in Game 4 win
    Varlamov stopped 42 shots Saturday in a 3-2 double-overtime win over the Hurricanes in Game 4 of the Islanders' first-round series.

    Advice: The 36-year-old netminder wouldn't let the Isles get swept, making 17 saves in the first OT period alone to give Mathew Barzal a chance to pot the winner. Varlamov has started three of New York's four playoff games so far, posting a stellar 2.08 GAA and .930 save percentage despite a 1-2 record, and he should get the nod again Tuesday for Game 5 as the series shifts back to Carolina. Rotowire.com Sunday, 6:08 am
     
  • Nabs assist in season-saving win
    Bortuzzo delivered a primary assist during the second overtime Saturday, culminating in a 3-2 win over the Hurricanes in Game 4.

    Advice: Bortuzzo found an open lane from the point and stepped into a shot that deflected in off Mathew Barzal near the top of the crease for the winning goal. This was the first playoff point for Bortuzzo since 2019, when the right-shot defenseman won the Stanley Cup with the Blues. The Isles will be back on the road for Game 5 on Tuesday. Rotowire.com Sunday, 6:02 am
     
  • In goal for Saturday
    Varlamov will get the starting nod at home for Game 4 against the Hurricanes on Saturday, Arthur Staple of The Athletic reports.

    Advice: Varlamov was initially benched for Game 3 but came on in relief of Ilya Sorokin in the second period -- Varly stopped all eight shots he faced from that point on. Overall, Varlamov is sporting a 2.41 GAA and .915 save percentage through three playoff appearances, but he's lost both of his starts. At this point, if Varlamov puts together a good enough performance to earn a victory in Game 4, he'll almost certainly get the nod for Game 5 on Tuesday. Rotowire.com Friday, 9:25 am
     
  • Nets first of the playoffs
    Nelson scored a goal on two shots in Thursday's 3-2 Game 3 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 during the regular season. Rotowire.com Thursday, 8:04 pm
     
  • Needed in relief
    Varlamov stopped eight shots after entering in relief of Ilya Sorokin in the second period of Thursday's 3-2 Game 3 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 through his three postseason appearances. Rotowire.com Thursday, 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 Game 3 loss to Carolina. Sorokin was credited with the loss.

    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 during the regular season with a career-low .908 save percentage and 3.01 GAA. Rotowire.com Thursday, 7:24 pm