Canucks Face Islanders After Four Game Skid In New York

The Vancouver Canucks faced the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on October 13, 2026, with Vancouver trying to stop a four-game losing streak and New York looking to recover from a recent loss. The matchup featured roster changes and a reunion with former Canucks captain Bo Horvat.

According to NHL.com, the Canucks entered at 2-5-0 and dealt with injuries to Filip Chytil and Thatcher Demko, while the Islanders were without Mathew Barzal and Alexander Romanov. Vancouver also remained the only NHL team unbeaten at UBS Arena, with a 5-0-0 record at the venue before the game.

Canucks coach Manny Malhotra adjusted defensive pairings after a difficult start to the season. Zeev Buium moved to a pairing with Luke Schenn, while Elias Pettersson joined Filip Hronek after a stronger performance against the New York Rangers.

The Province reported that Vancouver forward Jake DeBrusk addressed the challenge of the team's struggles.
"This game can humble you," DeBrusk told Postmedia.

The same report said veteran players were being relied on to support younger teammates during the rebuilding process. Buium highlighted Hronek's communication after adapting to NHL challenges.

"He’s really good at communicating and can kind of tell what I’m searching for when not playing my game and trying to force plays," Buium said.

Malhotra explained that reducing Buium's minutes was part of his development process rather than a setback.

"It’s coming back to big-picture stuff," Malhotra said.

He added that the lineup changes were intended to provide learning opportunities for the young defenseman.

"It’s not a strike against him. It’s another opportunity to continue to learn," Malhotra said.

The coach also emphasized the importance of maintaining the correct approach despite recent results.

"Part of our daily work ethic is bringing the right attitude," Malhotra said.

Horvat entered the game as Islanders captain after previously leading Vancouver. Daily Hive reported that he had four goals and six points through five games for New York.

"C" was used by Daily Hive when describing the captaincy mark on Horvat's jersey.

Horvat reflected on his experience leading both franchises before facing Vancouver.

"To say you were a captain of two NHL teams is obviously super humbling, and I’m very grateful for that," Horvat said.

He also discussed his connection to Vancouver and the support he received there before joining the Islanders.

"My time in Vancouver, it was special to me and my family. The community still means a lot to me, and the fan base. To have that same kind of passion here, and the fan support and the community support here as a captain, it’s a full-circle moment for sure," Horvat said.