Bo Horvat proves that his contract with the NY Islanders wasn't a mistake after a dominant season

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One of the highlights of this past season was the bromance between Horvat and linemate Mat Barzal both on and off the ice. The duo had immediate chemistry when playing together, which helped Horvat make the huge offensive impact that he did. Horvat finished the season second in goals scored, just one behind leader Brock Nelson, and fourth in points with 68. Horvat's offensive prowess gave the Islanders their biggest boost amid a struggling power play. His ability to effortlessly pass and shoot, especially with Barzal, helped the Islanders get a much needed boost on the man advantage. He finished the season with 10 power play goals and a short-handed goal in his back pocket.

Horvat was always there when he was needed. Coaches know that in clutch moments, Bo knows goals. And even if he wasn't scoring, he always knew exactly when to pass and shoot for a clutch goal or play. Horvat finished the season with six game-winning goals, three of which came in overtime. Horvat's leadership in those moments never went unnoticed. He tends to calm players down, with their confidence in his offensive and play-making abilities taking charge. He was a leader on the Islanders bench, always calling linemates over to talk through plays or ways to fix things that didn't quite work, and remaining calm and poised even during the worst losses.

One of the biggest contributions that Horvat made to the Islanders was in the faceoff circle. With a stacked lineup down the middle, the Islanders dominated the faceoff circle this past season. Horvat was a big help defensively, which was especially helpful amid the Islanders extreme defensive struggles this season. Horvat finished the season at 54% in the faceoff circle, and his focus on playing end-to-end hockey allowed Barzal to focus on his offense, creating a perfectly balanced line.