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Eyes On Isles
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NY Islanders face toughest early season test as Tampa Bay visits UBS Arena

ByJiggs Westfall
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Dec 13, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) skated into the zone defended by New York Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock (6) during during the third period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
Dec 13, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) skated into the zone defended by New York Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock (6) during during the third period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The best news for the New York Islanders arrived before the puck dropped:

Bo Horvat is healthy and ready to play.

After leaving Thursday’s 4-1 win over Chicago following Frank Nazar’s illegal check to the head, Horvat returned to his regular spot at Saturday’s morning skate. For a team already dealing with Alexander Romanov’s season-ending injury, avoiding another significant loss is a huge relief.

“It’s an unfortunate play, but luckily I’m fine and ready to go tonight,” Horvat said.

Now comes the next challenge. The Islanders host the Tampa Bay Lightning at UBS Arena on Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with a chance to see how their improving game holds up against an opponent capable of punishing every mistake.

Beating Chicago was encouraging. Handling Tampa Bay will require another level.

Pete DeBoer believes the Islanders have made progress, but they’re still searching for a complete effort.

“We haven’t put it all together for 60 minutes yet,” DeBoer said.

The Lightning arrive riding three consecutive wins, with reigning Hart Trophy winner Nikita Kucherov leading a dangerous lineup. John Carlson scored twice in their latest victory, helping Tampa Bay finally break through on the power play.

The Islanders have their own reasons for confidence. Horvat has four goals in four games, Anthony Duclair scored his first Thursday, and Matias Maccelli’s playmaking has helped give DeBoer offense throughout the lineup.

Then there’s Ilya Sorokin, the likely starter after his career-best shutout streak reached 165:31 against Chicago. A potential matchup with Andrei Vasilevskiy gives this game an appealing showdown between last season’s top two Vezina finishers.

The Islanders’ power play has scored in three straight games. Keeping that production going, staying disciplined and supporting Sorokin will matter against Tampa.

They’ve shown promising stretches. Tonight is an opportunity to turn those stretches into a statement against stronger competition.

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