NY Islanders expect Jonathan Drouin back versus Tampa Bay; no update on Horvat

The New York Islanders held an optional practice on Friday at Northwell Health Ice Center, with Mathew Barzal, J-G Pageau, Max Shabanov, Anthony Duclair, Matthew Schaefer, and Ryan Pulock among the skaters who took the ice. The session came a day after a 5–2 win over Anaheim and ahead of Saturday’s home matchup against Tampa Bay.

The biggest absence was forward Bo Horvat, who remains day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Head coach Patrick Roy said there is no update on Horvat’s availability.

“He’s still day-to-day,” Roy said. “We’ll see how it goes.”

A loss of Horvat for an extended period of time would be difficult to overcome. The 30-year-old center was injured midway through the second period Thursday when his right skate became tangled with Anaheim defenseman Drew Helleson as he pursued a loose puck. He fell awkwardly and did not return. Horvat leads the Islanders with 31 points (19 goals, 12 assists), and his 19 goals are tied with Chicago’s Connor Bedard for fourth most in the NHL.

Forward Jonathan Drouin, meanwhile, appears set to rejoin the lineup Saturday after missing five games with a lower-body injury. Drouin practiced for the second straight day and said he felt ready.

“I’ll be ready to go tomorrow,” Drouin said.

Roy confirmed Drouin will return and said he is expected to start on a line with Barzal and Emil Heineman. Drouin has 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in 26 games this season and is averaging 18:14 of ice time. The Islanders, winners of five of their last six, continue their three-game homestand Saturday against the Lightning.