New York Islanders News

Varlamov suffered a groin injury in Tuesday’s morning skate and is out day-to-day with the injury. Varlamov has played second fiddle to Reto Berra this season, so it is not as big of a loss as it has been in the past. With Varlamov out, the Avalanche have recalled Calvin Pickard.

Pelech, 21, was a third round pick (65th overall) in 2012. Pelech has two goals and two assists in 14 games with Bridgeport this season. He is expected to replace Brian Strait and make his NHL debut on Tuesday.

Drouin will miss his fifth straight games with a lower-body injury. He was on the ice for the gameday skate, but did not take part in line rushes, so he will sit again. Drouin remains day-to-day and his next chance to play is Saturday in Minnesota.

Varlamov allowed three goals on 25 shots in the Avs’ 6-3 win over the Flames on Tuesday. Varlamov has struggled through the first part of the season, but maybe an offensive explosion and a win will get the Avs going. Varlamov draws a strong matchup tonight—Mike Smith has been equally as bad, opening the door for lots of goal support.

Varlamov surrendered three goals on 31 shots in the Avs’ loss to the Kings on Sunday. After winning his second game of the season, Varlamov has dropped his last two starts while allowing a combined six goals on 57 shots (.895 SV%). Varlamov could make for a solid start tonight with at the Flames and their 24th ranked offence in town.

Drouin will miss his fourth consecutive game with a lower-body injury. He was on the ice this morning and is nearing a return, but the Lightning are not certain that Drouin will be back on Thursday in Buffalo.

Varlamov allowed three goals on 26 shots in Colorado’s loss in Carolina on Friday. It was Varlamov’s second game in as many nights, so it wasn’t surprising to see him struggle vs. the Hurricanes. He has won just two of seven starts while posting a 3.36 GAA and .889 SV% this season.

Drouin was held out of Thursday’s game because of a lower-body injury and he missed practice this morning which suggests he won’t play on Saturday either. The Lightning have officially listed him as doubtful.

Varlamov made 34 saves on 35 shots in the Avs’ win in Tampa Bay last night. After losing four of five and losing playing time to Reto Berra, Varlamov turned in a stellar performance last night and will go again tonight in Carolina. Starting him on back-to-back nights is risky, but it is nice to see Varlamov turn things around, at least for one game.

Drouin was a late scratch for Thursday's game vs. the Avalanche. Jonathan Marchessault dressed in his place. Monitor Drouin's status heading into this weekend's back-to-back.

Varlamov allowed four goals on 36 shots in Colorado’s loss to the Blue Jackets on Saturday. Reno Berra started on Tuesday, but the Avs will go back to Varlamov tonight in Tampa Bay. Varlamov has struggled his way to a 1-3-1, 3.93 GAA and .869 SV% start to the season.

Varlamov stopped 18 of 19 shots in the Avs’ 1-0 overtime loss to the Hurricanes on Wednesday. Varlamov has lost three of his first four starts while posting a 3.89 GAA and .861 SV%. Tonight Varlamov draws a good matchup against a Blue Jackets team who has started the season 0-8-0.

Varlamov surrendered five goals on 19 shots in the Avs’ loss to the Bruins last Wednesday. He was terrible in his first three starts of the season, allowing a combined 13 goals on 82 shots (.841 SV%). He will look to turn things around tonight vs. a Hurricanes team who is 21st in the NHL, averaging 2.20 goals per game.

Varlamov allowed three goals on 33 shots in the Avs’ 6-3 win over the Stars on Saturday. Through two games, Varlamov has allowed a combined eight goals on 63 shots (.873 SV%) but has also had 10 goals scored in front of him. The Avs’ offence is clicking early on, now they need to lock it down defensively.

Varlamov was spotted a 3-0 win in the first period of Thursday’s season opener, but he ended up surrendering five goals on 30 shots in the Avs’ 5-4 loss to the Wild. It was a disappointing start to the season for Varlamov and it could be tough to bounce back tonight with the Stars in town.

Varlamov posted a 1.83 GAA and .941 SV% in three preseason games and is the clear No. 1 in Colorado. He will get his 2015-16 season started against a Wild team that he was 1-4-0 with a 2.71 GAA and .926 SV% against last season. The 27-year-old comes in with a career 2.55 GAA and .918 SV%.