Bear was hit in the head by a puck while sitting on the bench last night and is doubtful to play Sunday vs. the Senators. With Bear likely out, either William Lagesson or Kris Russell will likely play.
It looks like Mikhail Maltsev will make his NHL debut on Sunday, replacing Palmieri in the lineup. The Devils did not mention any injury news, so Palmieri may be a healthy scratch.
Highmore was a healthy scratch for the last two games but will replace Ryan Carpenter, who was added to the COVID-19 protocol list on Saturday. Highmore has no points in four games this season.
Varlamov was yanked after allowing five goals on 22 shots in the Islanders loss in Washington on Thursday. The Islanders took an early 3-0 lead and looked to have things in hand but it got away from them in the second period, handing Varlamov his second straight defeat. After a red-hot start to the season, Varlamov is now 3-2-0 with a 1.82 GAA and .936 SV% through five starts.
Pulock missed Friday's practice with a leg injury that he seemingly suffered late in Thursday's game in Washington. Head coach Barry Trotz called him a game-time decision for Saturday but also added that he expects him to play.
Jacob Markstrom started the first five games of the season, so Thursday will be Rittich's season debut. The 28-year-old has won 20-plus games in back-to-back seasons, going 24-17-6 with a 2.97 GAA, .907 SV% and two shutouts in 48 games last season. Tonight he faces a Canadiens team that has yet to lose in regulation and lead the NHL in scoring through six games (4.83 GF/gm).
Varlamov stopped 30 of 31 shots in the Islanders' win over the Devils last Thursday. With Ilya Sorokin struggling again on Sunday, Varlamov is likely to start for the fourth time in six games on Tuesday. He's been the best goalie in the NHL through three starts, going 3-0-0 with a 0.33 GAA, .988 SV% and two shutouts.
Highmore has been a healthy scratch for the last three games but he will play Tuesday because Alex DeBrincat is in COVID-19 protocol. Highmore has eight points (4G / 4A) in 52 career NHL games.
Getting added to the COVID-19 reserve list means that Boqvist likely will not be available for the Tuesday/Wednesday back-to-back in Nashville. Boqvist's roommate Alex DeBrincat was also added to the list, so Chicago could be without two of their best offensive weapons in a tough series with the Predators.
Varlamov stopped 30 of 31 shots in the Islanders' win over the Devils last Thursday. With Ilya Sorokin struggling again on Sunday, Varlamov is likely to start for the fourth time in six games on Tuesday. He's been the best goalie in the NHL through three starts, going 3-0-0 with a 0.33 GAA, .988 SV% and two shutouts.
