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Player Notes

  • 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 7 minutes ago
  • 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 21 minutes ago
  • 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 Today, 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 Today, 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. Rotowire.com Today, 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 Today, 3:34 pm
  • Set to start Thursday
    Andersen is expected to start on the road against the Islanders in Game 3 on Thursday, per Andrew Gross of Newsday.

    Advice: Andersen won the first two outings of the first-round series while stopping 42 of 46 shots (.913 save percentage). He was fantastic in the regular season, posting a 13-2-0 record, 1.84 GAA and .932 save percentage in 16 appearances. The Islanders weren't particularly strong offensively during the 2023-24 campaign, finishing 22nd with 2.99 goals per contest, so Andersen should generally have the advantage over them. Rotowire.com Today, 2:26 pm
  • Available for Friday
    Myers (illness) is expected to draw back into the lineup for Game 3 on Friday, per Adam Kimelman of NHL.com.

    Advice: Myers had five goals, 29 points, 77 PIM, 110 hits and 136 blocks in 77 contests during the regular season. He missed Tuesday's 4-1 loss to Nashville because of the illness. Now that Myers is healthy, he'll probably serve on the second pairing while Noah Juulsen might be scratched. Rotowire.com Today, 1:05 pm
  • Up from minors
    Seeley was summoned from AHL Chicago on Thursday.

    Advice: Seeley has two goals and 14 points in 58 contests with AHL Chicago in 2023-24. The 21-year-old hasn't appeared in the NHL yet and is unlikely to draw into the lineup for the Hurricanes during the playoffs. Rotowire.com Today, 12:23 pm