Cizikas is day-to-day with a lower-body injury that he suffered during Monday’s game vs. the Sharks and missed Friday’s practice. If Cizikas can’t play, the Islanders may sign Stephen Gionta to a contract and have him draw into the lineup.
Varlamov allowed two goals on 37 shots in Colorado’s win over the Flyers on Saturday. Varlamov has won his first two starts, stopping 55 of 58 shots (.948 SV%) against the Wild and Flyers. He draws a healthy matchup tonight in Buffalo—the Sabres are averaging just 2.33 goals for through three games so far.
Mayfield was a healthy scratch in the first two games of the season but will draw in for Luca Sbisa this afternoon. Mayfield is a physical defenseman who is coming off of a career-high 12 points (2G / 10A) in 47 games last year.
Varlamov enjoyed a strong 2018 season, winning 24 of his 51 games with a 2.68 GAA, .920 SV% and two shutouts. He will be pushed harder for starts this year with Philipp Grubauer in town, but that could help push the Russian netminder. Varlamov won both of his starts while only allowing two goals on 66 shots (.970 SV%) against the Wild last year.
After two years with the Maple Leafs, Martin is headed back to the Islanders, where he spent the first seven years of his career. Martin scored just eight goals and 13 assists (21 points) in 132 games during his time in Toronto. During that stretch, he ranks tied for sixth in the NHL in hits/game (3.4).
Clutterbuck was hurt in New Jersey on Saturday after taking an elbow to the face, but he is good to go tonight vs. the Flyers. Clutterbuck has once again been valuable in hits leagues, racking up 231 (10th in the NHL) while chipping in 17 points (8G / 9A) in 73 games.
Varlamov made 39 saves on 40 shots in Colorado’s win over the Golden Knights on Saturday. Varlamov has won five of his last seven starts while posting an impressive 1.97 GAA and .948 SV%. As good as he has been, he has a tough matchup in Vegas—he is 9-9-4 with a 3.09 GAA and .907 SV% on the road this year.
Cizikas will be replaced by Chris Wagner tonight and there are some “longer-term concerns” for Cizikas according to head coach Doug Weight. Cizikas is not expected to travel to Ottawa for Tuesday’s game.
Varlamov was pulled after allowing five goals on 20 shots in Colorado’s 7-1 loss to the Kings on Thursday. Despite the rough outing, the Avalanche will stick with Varlamov vs. the Golden Knights this afternoon. The 29-year-old has gone 5-2-3 with a 2.46 GAA and .931 SV% in March.
Varlamov stopped 44 of 45 shots in Colorado’s win in Chicago on Tuesday. Varly is riding a five-game winning streak, stopping 182 of the 189 shots (.963 SV%) that he has faced. He stopped 25 of 27 shots that he faced in a 2-1 OT loss in his first start against the Kings this season.
