Tsyplakov Chat New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/] starting goaltender Ilya Sorokin has started seven straight games, and that streak doesn't seem to be ending soon. Goaltender Semyon Varlamov has not skated since he made 21 saves on 26 shots in a 5-4 overtime loss against the Washington Capitals on Nov. 29. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExMzcyMDM4Mzk1MzM5OTM1/usatsi_24901461.jpg] Third-string goaltender Marcus Hogberg has backed up Sorokin the last six games. Varlamov backed up Sorokin in their 2-1 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Dec. 3. The Islanders have a choice to make regarding Varlamov. With Mathew Barzal, Anthony Duclair, and Adam Pelech nearing their returns, the Islanders could use every penny they have to mitigate the number of players they have to cut from the roster. If Varlamov's lower-body injury is going to keep him out a few more weeks, then it makes sense for the Islanders to place him on long-term injured reserve, retroactive to Nov. 29. A player on LTIR must miss 10 games AND 24 days. Varlamov, who has already missed seven games, would need to miss their game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday, the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs on Dec. 21, AND their game against the Buffalo Sabres on Dec. 23 to reach the 24-game mark. So, does that mean Sorokin could end up playing 11 straight games? Because of the schedule, with two days before game in Chicago, a day break between that game and their game in Carolina before three days off until their game north of the border, that's some quality rest days. If need be, Hogberg could get a start, but there may not be a need. With Varlamov's $2.75 million and Mike Reily's $1.25 million heading to LTIR, the Islanders would have an additional $4 million. The Islanders don't have to do anything financially to activate Barzal (LTIR, $9.15 million) and/or Pelech outside of creating a roster spot. If defenseman Isaiah George goes down to Bridgeport—he is waiver-exempt—that will clear an additional $838k, giving them $4.838 million in space. Here's the rest of the math equation: That means they have $13.094 in cap space before activating Barzal ($9.15 million), Duclair ($3.5 million) and Pelech giving them a 23-man roster with $444,000 in cap space. Viola.
