Sorokin Back, Gm 69: Lines, Preview & How to Watch vs. Stars

The New York Islanders (32-27-9) have won four straight contests and are back in action Tuesday night as they take on the Dallas Stars (39-26-3). Puck drop is slated for 8:30 PM ET at American Airlines Center.

With 14 games to play, the New York Islanders find themselves 11 points back of the Washington Capitals for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Dallas Stars are just a point back of the Vegas Golden Knights for the final wild-card spot in the West, with three games in hand.

Although one is closer to the playoff picture than the other, this should be a competitive matchup in Dallas.

Before Tuesday’s morning skate, the New York Islanders returned Cory Schneider to Bridgeport (AHL), signifying that Ilya Sorokin (upper-body) is available. Schneider started an NHL game for the first time in two years on Sunday in the 4-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils.

Sorokin had been unavailable for the last four games after sustaining his injury on Mar. 27 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Semyon Varlamov was in the starter’s crease Tuesday morning and head coach Barry Trotz confirmed that he will start.

On Monday, Varlamov was awarded the NHL’s ‘Third Star of the Week’ after going 3-0-0 with a 1.67 GAA, a .952 SV%, and a shutout, which came against the New York Rangers.

Varlamov has faced the Stars 27 times (26 decisions) in his career with a 17-7-2 record, a .912 SV%, a 2.91 GAA, and has taken a penalty. 

The Dallas Stars did not hold a morning skate on Tuesday. They last played on Sunday, losing 4-1 to the Seattle Kraken.

NEW YORK ISLANDERS LINEUP (PROJECTED)

Lee-Nelson-Beauvillier

Bailey–Pageau–Palmieri

Parise-Barzal-Wahlstrom

Martin–Cizikas–Johnston

Pelech–Pulock

Chara–Dobson

Greene–Hutton

Varlamov

Sorokin

DALLAS STARS (PROJECTED)

Robertson-Hintz-Pavelski

Benn-Seguin–Gurianov

Namestnikov-Peterson-Kiviranta

Raffl-Faksa–Glendening

Suter–Heiskanen

Harley-Klingberg

Hanley–Sekera

Oettinger

Wedgewood

ISLANDERS GAME NOTES

Tonight, the New York Islanders visit the Dallas Stars in the second and final matchup between the two clubs this season.

The last time these teams met was March 19, when Brock Nelson recorded his second hat
trick of the season in a 4-1 win at UBS Arena.

The Islanders have won their last three straight road games for the first time this season, and improved to 7-3-0 in their last ten games on Sunday afternoon, as they defeated New Jersey. Including tonight, the Islanders have just two Western Conference matchups remaining in their regular season schedule.

The last time the Islanders visited American Airlines Center was December 7, 2019.

BETTING CORNER

The New York Islanders are the road underdogs against the Dallas Stars, coming in at +115. They are -230 on the reverse puck line. The Stars are -135 and are +190 on the puck line.

The over for the contest is set at 5.5, with the over at +100 and the under at -120.

These lines are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.

HOW TO WATCH:

Tuesday’s contest will be available on MSG+.   On the radio dial, the game can be heard on 1050 AM ESPN, 88.7 FM WRHU and 103.9 FM LI News Radio.