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

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