Overview
- General manager Mathieu Darche said Horvat will not join the seven-game road trip as he continues recovering from a lower-body injury.
- Horvat has resumed skating on his own in New York, with a potential return targeted for the Islanders' home game against the Sabres on Jan. 24.
- The club expects Horvat to play before the Olympic break, and reporting indicates his availability for Team Canada remains intact.
- New York has posted a 4-1-1 mark in this stretch without Horvat, leaning on Ilya Sorokin's elite form despite an offense ranked 21st and a power play at 28th.
- David Rittich will start in goal against the Flames on Saturday as the Islanders manage minutes for their goaltenders.