Marcus Hodberg has served as the backup to Ilya Sorokin the last several games, a trend that will continue until the new year as Varlamov will not be eligible to return until, at earliest, January 5th against the Boston Bruins. The 36-year-old Varlamov owns a 3-4-3 record and an .889 SV% in ten games this season.
Horvat did not play on Sunday but will return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes. The 29-year-old Horvat is averaging 20:13 time-on-ice, scoring 22 points (8G / 14A) in 31 games this season.
Martin has been a regular in the lineup lately but will be a healthy scratch for only the second time since November 7th. The 35-year-old Martin is averaging 8:10 time-on-ice, recording one point (0G / 1A) and 56 hits in 20 games.
Horvat did not play on Sunday but could return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes. The 29-year-old Horvat is averaging 20:13 time-on-ice, scoring 22 points (8G / 14A) in 31 games this season.
With Semyon Varlamov (lower body) still away from the team, the Islanders will roll with Sorokin between the pipes for a ninth consecutive game. Sorokin struggled in his previous outing, allowing four goals on 22 shots (.818 SV%) in a disappointing 5-3 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. The 29-year-old netminder has a 2.71 GAA and .906 SV% in 22 games (9-9-4) and has battled adversity lately, allowing three or more goals in four of his last six (3-3-0), posting an ugly .878 SV%. The Islanders enter Tuesday's contest as +193 road underdogs against a Carolina Hurricanes club that is 5-5-0 in their last 10.
Engvall has been limited to only 20 games this season, recording six points (3G / 3A). The 28-year-old is averaging 12:40 time-on-ice, nearly three minutes less than last season, and his lowest total since his 24-year-old season in 2020-21.
Lee has been excellent for the Islanders lately but is battling an illness and was considered a game-time decision on Thursday against the Washington Capitals. The 34-year-old Lee has 24 points (13G / 11A) in 30 games this season, including scoring 11 (6G / 5A) in his last nine.
Darcy Kuemper has played the last two games for the Kings but they will revert to Rittich on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils. The 32-year-old Rittich has a 2.45 GAA and .891 SV% in 17 appearances (10-6-0). With Kuemper battling through two different injuries already this season, the Kings may utilize Rittich more often than not in order to keep Kuemper fresh. The Kings enter Thursday's contest with the Devils as +132 road underdogs.
