NY Islanders host Pacific Division leading Anaheim Ducks at UBS Arena

The New York Islanders continue their three-game homestand Thursday night when they host the Anaheim Ducks at UBS Arena, looking to build on one of their most resilient wins of the season.

The Islanders enter the matchup fresh off a 5–4 shootout victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday. Emil Heineman delivered the only goal of the shootout, capping a comeback that began after the Isles fell behind 2–0 late in the first period. Bo Horvat sparked the rally with a goal in the final minute of the opening frame and finished with two on the night. Marc Gatcomb and Simon Holmstrom also scored, and 10 Islanders recorded at least one point.

New York has now won nine come-from-behind games this season and four of its last five, each against a Stanley Cup champion from the past decade. Jean-Gabriel Pageau returned to the lineup Tuesday after missing eight games and won 18 of 27 faceoffs while skating alongside Mathew Barzal and Anders Lee. Defensively, Ryan Pulock enters the night with assists in back-to-back games and continues to anchor the top pair with rookie standout Matthew Schaefer. The penalty kill has been perfect in December (13-for-13), including a crucial six-on-four stop against Vegas.

Anaheim enters Thursday with several players on hot streaks. Leo Carlsson leads the Ducks with 38 points, tied for eighth in the NHL, while Cutter Gauthier and Troy Terry also exceed 30 points. Rookie Beckett Sennecke has three straight multi-point games and a rookie-leading 10 goals. Gauthier, Terry, and defenseman Jackson LaCombe all carry point streaks into the matchup.

Frank Vatrano remains day-to-day, and goaltender Lukas Dostal is on IR but traveling with the team. Anaheim’s penalty kill ranks 27th overall but has improved in December, while its power play has dipped, scoring twice in its last 17 opportunities.