NY Islanders host Devils at UBS Arena before embarking on load road trip

The New York Islanders will try to build momentum before a lengthy road swing when they host the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night at UBS Arena, the Islanders’ final home game before a seven-game trip.

New York is coming off an emotional 4-3 overtime win against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, highlighted by a breakout performance from rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer. The 18-year-old scored twice, including the overtime winner, while Adam Pelech and Emil Heineman also found the net. David Rittich made 18 saves as the Islanders improved their standing in a tightly packed Metropolitan Division race.

The Islanders expect a significant boost in goal with the return of Ilya Sorokin, who is slated to start after missing seven games with an injury. Sorokin last played Dec. 19 and enters Tuesday with a 12-10-2 record, a 2.55 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. He is one shutout shy of breaking the franchise record held by Chico Resch. Rittich filled in admirably during Sorokin’s absence, going 4-2-1 with a 2.30 GAA and steady play that kept New York in the playoff picture.

Schaefer is expected to be in the lineup after briefly dealing with illness. He has points in three straight games and ranks third on the Islanders with 28 points, continuing a rookie season that has already produced multiple league-wide milestones. Bo Horvat’s status remains uncertain after he missed Saturday’s game and did not fully practice, though he skated with coaches earlier in the week.

The Islanders and Devils meet for the third time this season, with New York winning the first two contests by one goal, including an overtime victory. The teams are separated by four points in the standings, adding weight to a matchup that carries clear playoff implications.

New Jersey enters off a 3-1 loss to Carolina and has dropped three of its last five games. Dawson Mercer and Nico Hischier continue to pace the Devils’ offense, while special teams could play a role in another closely contested meeting between division rivals.