New York Islanders face Vancouver Canucks with playoffs at stake

The New York Islanders will host the Vancouver Canucks at UBS Arena on Wednesday night. Both the Isles and Canucks enter this matchup with playoff spots at stake. The Isles are one point off the second wild card spot thanks to some big help on Tuesday night.

First, the Montreal Canadiens, holders of the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference dropped a 6-1 blowout to the St. Louis Blues. Then, the New York Rangers, who could have moved into the second wild card spot with a win, lost 3-1 to the LA Kings.

That combination of results opens the door for the Islanders to move into a playoff spot with a win over the Canucks.

The mission is pretty clear, win and they’re in. The Isles must win as two points would catapult them past the Canadiens. Another loser point would merely move the Isles into a tie for the second wild card.

So, now is the time for the Islanders to play hungry, desperate hockey as they look to squeak into the playoffs for the second year in a row.

With the Isles playing fairly well despite a two-game skid, the Isles have a unique chance to get a leg up on in the playoff race, especially playing Vancouver who’s not a playoff team at this point.

It’s all hands on deck for the Islanders on Wednesday night as there is no excuse for the team to put forth anything less than their best effort.

New York Islanders Bo Horvat looing to continue success against former team

Bo Horvat will be facing his former team on Wednesday night. Horvat captained the Canucks before coming over in a mega deal on January 30, 2023. Since then, Horvat has faced his former team four times.

In those four games, Horvat has notched two goals and three assists for five points. He notched two assists in his last game against Vancouver, a 5-2 win on November 15, 2024 at Rogers Arena. As such, Wednesday night’s game marks the second meeting this season between the Isles and Canucks. A win would give the Islanders a season sweep over Horvat’s former club.

It’s worth pointing out that Horvat currently leads the Isles in scoring with 24 goals and 49 points in 69 games. The 29-year-old has been steady as they come, especially amid the rash of injuries afflicting the Isles this season.

Horvat is riding a four-game point streak heading into Wednesday night’s clash with Vancouver. He’s notched two goals and five assists over that span. As such, the Islanders will need Horvat to continue delivering down the stretch.

With so much on the line, Bo Horvat has stepped up to push the Islanders into the Eastern Conference playoff conversation. His leadership has allowed the rest of the club to rally as they look to inflict damage on the rest of the league.