Varlamov allowed one goal on 31 shots in Colorado’s win in Buffalo on Thursday. Varlamov has won each of his first three starts, stopping 85 of the 89 shots (.955 SV%) that he has faced. Varlamov has a tough matchup with the Flames in town, but catches a break with David Rittich getting the call for Calgary.
Cizikas was questionable for Saturday’s game but his move to IR means the will be out against the Predators. Cizikas’ move to IR is retroactive to Monday, so it allowed them to sign Stephen Gionta without sending anyone down. He could end up missing jut one game.
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.
The Blackhawks picked Boqvist with the No.8 overall pick in this summer’s draft. The dynamic offensive defensman was unable to crack the opening night roster, so he heads to London for his first season in North America—he played in Sweden 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).
Boqvist doesn’t have great size, but is one of the most offensively-gifted blueliners in this draft class. Boqvist has great wheel and loves rushing the puck, looking more like a forward than a defenseman. During his time in Sweden’s top league this season, Boqvist had just one assist in 15 games.
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.
