Kirkland played only 1:05 time-on-ice before exiting Friday's game with a lower-body injury and did not play on Sunday. The 28-year-old Kirkland has played a career-high 21 games this season, scoring eight points (2G / 6A) while averaging 9:42 time-on-ice.
McCabe exited Saturday's 5-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning after only 11:27 time-on-ice due to an upper-body injury. The 31-year-old McCabe is averaging 21:20 time-on-ice, has five points (0G / 5A) in 23 games, and is not expected to be out of the lineup for long.
Kochetkov has not played since November 23rd due to a concussion but his presence at practice along with Yaniv Perets being reassigned to the Chicago Wolves (AHL) is an indication that he is likely on route to return to the crease. The 25-year-old Kochetkov has a 2.42 GAA and .904 SV% in 13 appearances this season (10-2-0).
Berard has played well since making his NHL debut last week but will be sidelined temporarily due to an upper-body injury. The 22-year-old Berard has two points (1G / 1A) while averaging 12:33 time-on-ice through four games.
Hakanpaa missed the first five weeks of the season due to a lower-body injury, played two games, and has missed the last four. He is eligible to return anytime, but his injury woes, dating back to last season with the Dallas Stars, are serious cause for concern.
The Islanders have recalled goalie Marcus Hodberg from Bridgeport (AHL) on an emergency basis with Varlamov sidelined due to a lower-body injury. If Varlamov misses any time, expect Ilya Sorokin to see the entire workload between the pipes for the Islanders.
