The Upshot: NY Islanders defeat Philadelphia Flyers 2-1 in Bo Horvat debut

HOW IT HAPPENED

In Bo Horvat’s debut, the Islanders got 25 saves from Semyon Varlamov in a 2-1 win in their return from the break over the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center on Monday night. Kyle Palmieri scored a power play goal in the first period for a 1-0 lead, and Mathew Barzal scored his 13th of the season to extend the lead to 2-0 in the second for the Islanders (26-22-5), who have now won three straight games. Horvat had four shots and played 19:08 TOI. Carter Hart made 28 saves, and Nicolas Deslauriers scored for the Flyers (21-22-9).

WHAT WENT RIGHT

The Islanders scored a power-play goal! The Islanders had gone 0-for-25 with the man advantage in their previous ten games and weren't able to convert on their first chance Monday night in Philadelphia. But then, at 17:07 of the first period, Josh Bailey carried the puck into the zone and glided a pass to Kyle Palmieri, who ripped a wrist shot past Carter Hart for a 1-0 lead. Palmieri now has a point in five straight games since returning from injury.

WHAT WENT WRONG

The Islanders had a ton of jump and created 12 high danger chances in the first period, but once again finishing was the issue. After taking a 2-0 lead, they couldn't find that elusive third goal for the eighth straight game and 13 of 14 overall. Rather, for the third straight game they played a strong defensive game in the third period and held on for the 2-1 win, their third straight.

STATS OF THE GAME

Per NHL PR, Noah Dobson(27-73—100 in 209 GP) became the fastest Islanders defenseman to record 100 career NHL points since 1998-99 when Bryan Berard hit the mark in his 170th game in the League (Nov. 7, 1998). Overall, Dobson is the seventh-fastest Islanders blueliner to reach 100 career NHL points

SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENT OF THE GAME

Besides a new face-guard he'll have to wear for six weeks after getting hit in the mouth with a puck on Jan. 28, the other change in Alexander Romanov's life is that he's now a Dad! Congrats to the Islanders defenseman and his wife on the birth of thier daughter, Olivia.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Islanders are back at it on Tuesday night and they host the Seattle Kraken, looking to get even with former teammate Jordan Eberle after Seattle beat the Isles on New Year's Day. Face-off from UBS Arena is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET.