Islanders Host Lightning in Early Season Test at UBS Arena

The New York Islanders hosted the Tampa Bay Lightning at UBS Arena on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in an NHL matchup between teams with winning records early in the season. The Islanders entered at 2-2-0 after a 4-1 win over Chicago, while Tampa Bay arrived at 3-1-0 after three straight victories.

According to NHL.com, Bo Horvat scored twice in the Islanders' previous game and had four goals through four games. Ilya Sorokin carried a shutout streak of 165:31 before allowing a late goal against Chicago, while the Lightning ended an 0-for-14 power-play start with John Carlson's two-goal performance against Minnesota.

Islanders coach Pete DeBoer said the matchup would require a complete performance against one of the league's strongest teams.

"We've been building towards a game like this. This is one of the top teams in the league so we've got to try and put all the pieces together tomorrow night. I think we've slowly made improvements every night out in different areas. We haven't put it all together for 60 minutes yet, and this is a team that we're going to be forced to do that if we want to have a chance to win," said Pete DeBoer, Islanders head coach.

Horvat returned after leaving the Chicago game following a hit to the head from Frank Nazar. NHL.com reported Nazar received a two-game suspension, while Horvat said he was available to play against Tampa Bay.

"It's an unfortunate play, but luckily I'm fine and ready to go tonight," said Bo Horvat, Islanders captain.

DeBoer described Horvat's availability as a "huge relief" after the injury scare. The coach explained that the team was concerned about losing a key player for an extended period.

"I'm just thankful he's available because sometimes with those head shots you can lose a guy for quite a while," said Pete DeBoer, Islanders head coach.

"We crossed our fingers and he's good, and I'm happy that we have him," said Pete DeBoer, Islanders head coach.

Horvat also credited his teammates for supporting him after the incident and highlighted the team's internal bond.

"That's kind of the brotherhood we have in here, and the type of guys we have in here," said Bo Horvat, Islanders captain.

The game featured a matchup between two top goaltenders. Andrei Vasilevskiy, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, was expected to start for Tampa Bay, while Sorokin entered with a career-long shutout streak record.

Anthony Duclair praised Sorokin's impact in goal and identified him as his Vezina Trophy choice.

"my Vezina pick," said Anthony Duclair, Islanders forward.

DeBoer also praised Sorokin's consistency and composure after the goaltender recorded 22 saves against Chicago.

"He's an impressive guy. He doesn't say a lot, he just goes about his business and shows up and gives you an A game every single night. He does make tough saves look easy... There's just a calming presence because how calm, collected, and how easy he makes some of those saves look," said Pete DeBoer, Islanders head coach.

Matias Maccelli provided additional depth for New York after joining the team from Toronto. NHL.com reported he recorded 14 goals and 39 points in 71 games last season and contributed two assists through his first four Islanders games.

Emil Heineman described Maccelli's skill level as a key addition to the lineup, while DeBoer said the forward had improved the team's depth scoring options.

"a really skilled player," said Emil Heineman, Islanders forward.

"He's brought exactly what we wanted him to bring, which is speed and skill, the ability to make a play, create offense," said Pete DeBoer, Islanders head coach.