While Bo Horvat was out with a lower-body injury that he suffered on New Year’s Day against Utah, the Islanders have been able to stay afloat during his nine-game absence going 5-3-1 and maintaining a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
But Friday marked a big sigh of relief throughout the organization and Islanders Country with the return of Horvat to practice at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow. Horvat is expected to make his return on Saturday afternoon when the Islanders host the Buffalo Sabres at UBS Arena.
How excited are the Islanders to have number 14 on the ice again:
“Oh my God,” said Head Coach Patrick Roy. “It’s nice to have him back. The guys did a really nice job while he wasn’t playing but he’s our top goal scorer and he’s playing PK and power play and wins big faceoffs. Yeah, it’s nice to have him back. We’ll see after warmups 100% but the plan is (for him) to play.”
All season long, the Islanders have had a “next man up” mentality. When a player has suffered an injury, the Islanders have refused to feel sorry for themselves as somebody always seems to help fill the void.
As he rehabbed and worked his way back to the Islanders, Horvat appreciates what everyone on the team has been able to do.
“It feels great,” said Horvat. “Anytime somebody’s gone down, somebody’s stepped up and carried us in a big way whether it’s goaltending or somebody on the backend or even up front. Guys are contributing. Different guys are stepping up at different times. We’re going to need that going forward.”
The Islanders have done well without Horvat, but there have been many times where the Islanders have looked offensively challenged in his absence so having him back could certainly be a shot in the arm.
Just seeing him back on the ice Friday was great for the team and for some of the Islanders season ticket holders who attended the practice session.
“It’s great,” said Islanders Captain Anders Lee. “We’ve missed him. We missed him in the room and we missed him on the ice, going to dinners on that road trip…the whole deal. It’s great to see Bo again and to see how well he’s doing.”
Horvat’s return comes against a red-hot Buffalo Sabres team that beat the Islanders 3-2 in a shootout back on December 20th. The Sabres are 7-2-1 over their last ten games and they have soared into a playoff spot as they hold one of the Eastern Conference Wild Card spots.
Not an easy first game back for Horvat and a tough first game back home after a seven-game road trip for the Islanders.
“We expect a tough game,” said Horvat. “They’ve been playing really well as of late scoring goals and doing a lot of good things and their record shows it. They’re in a playoff spot and they’re fighting for their division and we’re going to have to be ready to go (Saturday) afternoon.”
Not only are the Islanders happy to see Horvat return, but there are also happy faces throughout Canada as Horvat is back from injury just a few weeks before the Winter Olympics in Italy. Horvat was selected to play for Team Canada and he’s looking forward to representing his country.
But first things first.
“Number one to be ready to go for the Islanders but also getting some games in before heading to Milan,” said Horvat. “It’s super important, not only for me, but for the team as well. I’m getting back in the swing of things and get back into game shape. I’m just really excited to be back.”
And so is all of Islanders Country.