Islanders Face NHL-Leading Golden Knights in Crucial Road Game

The New York Islanders (15-18-7) are set to face the NHL-leading Vegas Golden Knights (28-9-3) on Thursday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Islanders, coming off a 5-4 overtime victory against the Boston Bruins, are looking to build momentum as they continue their three-game road trip.

Bo Horvat was the hero for the Islanders in their last game, scoring the overtime winner and adding a shorthanded goal earlier in the contest. Captain Anders Lee also contributed with two goals, while Ryan Pulock chipped in with a goal and two assists. Goaltender Ilya Sorokin made 26 saves to secure the win, snapping a three-game losing streak for the Isles.

The Golden Knights, meanwhile, are riding a three-game winning streak and have won nine of their last 10 games. In their most recent outing, they defeated the San Jose Sharks 4-2, with Mark Stone, Zach Whitecloud, Victor Olofsson, and Tomas Hertl leading the offensive charge. Goaltender Ilya Samsonov made 19 saves in the victory.

Thursday’s game marks the first meeting between the two teams this season. Last year, the Islanders went 0-2-0 against Vegas. Anthony Duclair, who will face the Golden Knights for the first time as a member of the Islanders, emphasized the importance of discipline against a high-powered Vegas offense. “They’re obviously a really good team, a lot of depth, all four lines can score goals,” Duclair said. “We want to make sure that we stay really disciplined.”

Islanders head coach Patrick Roy highlighted the team’s improved penalty kill, which has been a focus during their recent practices. “I love the way we killed against Toronto and Boston,” Roy said. “We scored [on Sunday] shorthanded against Boston and it gave us some life.”

On the injury front, the Islanders will be without forwards Simon Holmstrom and Hudson Fasching, both sidelined with upper-body injuries. Defenseman Isaiah George is also out, prompting the recall of Grant Hutton from the minors. Veteran forward Matt Martin is expected to return to the lineup for the first time since Dec. 15.

Anders Lee will skate in his 800th NHL game, all with the Islanders. Reflecting on the milestone, Lee said, “That’s crazy, that’s a lot of hockey, it’s pretty special. It’ll be a fun game.” Lee leads the Islanders in scoring with 18 goals and 32 points this season.

The Golden Knights, who lead the Western Conference, boast a formidable home record of 17-4-0. Jack Eichel has been a key contributor, recording a team-best 42 assists, while Mark Stone has 35 points in 26 games. Vegas has not lost consecutive games in regulation since mid-October.

The Islanders will need a strong performance from Sorokin and their penalty kill to challenge the Golden Knights, who have been nearly unbeatable at home this season.