"The biggest absence was forward Bo Horvat, who remains day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Head coach Patrick Roy said there is no update on Horvat's availability. "He's still day-to-day," Roy said. "We'll see how it goes." A loss of Horvat for an extended period of time would be difficult to overcome. The 30-year-old center was injured midway through the second period Thursday when his right skate became tangled with Anaheim defenseman Drew Helleson as he pursued a loose puck."
"Forward Jonathan Drouin, meanwhile, appears set to rejoin the lineup Saturday after missing five games with a lower-body injury. Drouin practiced for the second straight day and said he felt ready. "I'll be ready to go tomorrow," Drouin said. Roy confirmed Drouin will return and said he is expected to start on a line with Barzal and Emil Heineman. Drouin has 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in 26 games this season and is averaging 18:14 of ice time."
The New York Islanders held an optional practice with Mathew Barzal, J-G Pageau, Max Shabanov, Anthony Duclair, Matthew Schaefer, and Ryan Pulock taking part. The team practiced a day after a 5-2 win over Anaheim and ahead of a home matchup with Tampa Bay. Bo Horvat remains day-to-day with a lower-body injury after his right skate tangled with an opponent's during Thursday's game, and there is no update on his availability. Jonathan Drouin is expected to return after missing five games and is slated to start on a line with Barzal and Emil Heineman. The Islanders have won five of six and continue a three-game homestand Saturday.
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