ELMONT, NY — Despite losing leading goal-scorer Bo Horvat to a leg injury, the New York Islanders defeated the Anaheim Ducks 5-2 at UBS Arena, with two goals from Anders Lee and a first-career goal for rookie defenseman Travis Mitchell. The Islanders (18-11-3, 39 points) have won five of their last six games and are now one point away from the top of the Eastern Conference, achieving this against the Ducks, the top team in the Pacific Division.
The game started with an exciting first period, setting a night of milestones. The Islanders scored early with Mitchell’s first NHL goal, assisted by Scott Mayfield and Anthony Duclair, marking a special moment for the eager rookie. “It’s pretty unbelievable to actually score a goal in the NHL,” Mitchell said.
The Islanders capitalized on a power play after Ryan Strome was penalized for high-sticking. Lee scored, making it his 296th career goal, placing him fifth in Islanders’ franchise history, surpassing Brock Nelson. “I’m sure he’ll see it, but it’s been special to share that with him for a little bit,” Lee joked about his former teammate, now with the Colorado Avalanche.
Lee scored again on the power play, marking his 297th career goal. This was the Islanders’ first game with multiple power play goals since Oct. 21 against the San Jose Sharks, ending a 24-game stretch without more than one power play goal in a game.
Bo Horvat’s night ended early due to a lower-body injury after a tangle with Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson, marking a significant moment. His absence added responsibility on players like Mathew Barzal and Lee to maintain the offensive push. Head Coach Patrick Roy said, “When you lose a player like Bo, you don’t try and replace him, because it’s impossible.”
In the third period, Simon Holmstrom scored the Islanders’ fourth goal. “Simon, when he plays with that confidence, the goal that he scored and the plays that he made… I think that’s important to him, and I thought he was confident tonight.”
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