Bo Horvat Returns to Islanders After Injury
Five games without Bo Horvat felt longer than it actually was for the Islanders.
“It’s not fun being out,” Horvat expressed Saturday morning before making his return from a lower-body injury against the Rangers. “I want to be out there competing with my teammates. They’ve done a solid job while I was away.”
The Islanders managed a 2-2-1 record in Horvat’s absence, including a gritty 2-1 win over the Devils just before the holiday break—considered somewhat lucky, really.
Getting Horvat back quickly feels pivotal, especially since it initially looked like the injury could have been much worse for the team’s standing.
“It’s a massive boost,” Anders Lee mentioned. “We tried filling in for him while he was gone. We had a great win in the last game and performed decently in others, but you can’t replace Bo. Having him back on the ice and in the room really energizes us. Can’t wait to see him out there tonight.”
Saturday marked the healthiest lineup the Islanders have put out in quite some time.
Before Horvat’s injury, they were already without Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Jonathan Drouin. The last time all three played together was back on November 22.
With them back in action, Anthony Duclair found himself a healthy scratch as part of the lineup shuffle.
Horvat slotted in at center on the top line, flanked by Drouin and Emil Heinemann. Pageau, who previously held that position, moved to the right wing on the third line with Cal Ritchie.
The second line with Matthew Barzal, Lee, and Simon Holmstrom remained untouched, as did the fourth line featuring Kyle MacLean, Casey Cizikas, and Mark Gatcomb. Roy’s been careful not to shake things up there lately.
“It was tough, honestly,” Roy shared about sitting Duclair for the first time this season. “I feel bad taking players out when everyone’s contributing so well. But we had to make a choice with Bo coming back.”
“We took Max Shabanov in Buffalo tonight instead of Duclair. He’s been impressive, and it’s tough to decide. Sometimes these decisions are unrelated to performance. He’s been playing really well.”
Horvat practiced with the Islanders before the break and mentioned he didn’t expect any restrictions on his play.
On Saturday morning, he was fully engaged, working with both the power play and penalty kill units, showing his signature intensity.
“If I’m playing, I’m ready for any situation,” he remarked. “I’m proud of how I’m playing and just focus on doing what needs to be done.”
While he has had no issues in practice, he noted that game conditions are a different matter.
He emphasized that nothing should be taken for granted. “You have to earn it,” he said. “It’s not an easy choice.” It’s important to work hard, stay focused on the little things, and not get ahead of yourself. Just take it shift by shift.”
