"In the best start to a season in his NHL career, Bo Horvat has been the spoon that stirs the drink for the Isles, 30+ games into the season. Among the leaders in goals across the league, Horvat's play has been significant, and now, the Isles are struggling with him sidelined due to injury. Going down in the second period nine days ago against the Anaheim Ducks, the Islanders' offensive production has seen a steady decline without their number one center."
"With a record of 1-2-0 without Horvat in the lineup, the offense has looked anemic, floundering to try and get shots on goal or even possess the puck for an extended period. In those three games, the Isles have recorded 17, 18, and 23 shots, respectively. Even last night, when they recorded 23 shots, the Vancouver Canucks had an early 3-0 lead and quickly switched into a more defensive style."
"Along with Kyle Palmieri, who will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL, outside of him and Horvat, Emil Heineman is really the only forward who can threaten goaltenders from distance. Heading into tonight's matchup with the Buffalo Sabres, the Islanders will look to prevent a three-game skid, as they've quickly fallen from second place in the Metro Division to currently sitting outside of a Wild Card spot."
Bo Horvat produced the best start of his NHL career and ranked among league goal leaders before sustaining an injury nine days ago versus Anaheim. The Islanders' offensive output has declined steadily since his exit, posting a 1-2-0 record without him and managing only 17, 18, and 23 shots in three games. The team lacks long-range scoring threats beyond Horvat and Kyle Palmieri, who is out for the season with a torn ACL, leaving Emil Heineman as the primary distant threat. The Islanders have slipped from second in the Metro and now sit outside a Wild Card spot while the Sabres have won four straight.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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