3 least impressive New York Islanders players from 5-3 loss to Tampa Bay Lightning feat. Bo Horvat

Modified Mar 29, 2025 22:25 GMT

NHL: New York Islanders at Tampa Bay Lightning - Source: Imagn — 3 least impressive New York Islanders players from 5-3 loss to Tampa Bay Lightning. (Credits: IMAGN)

New York Islanders - trailing 4-0 at one point - lost 5-3 to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday afternoon at Amalie Arena. The Islanders struck back thrice in the third period but couldn't salvage a miraculous turnaround and ended with a fourth consecutive defeat.

Ryan Pulock (PPG), Marc Gatcomb and Tony DeAngelo scored for the New York Islanders. Meanwhile, Brayden Point's twin strikes propelled the Tampa Bay Lightning to the win, backed by goals from Nikita Kucherov, Nick Perbix and Jake Guentzel.

So, here’s a look at the three least impressive New York Islanders players from their loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

3 least impressive New York Islanders players from loss to Tampa Bay Lightning

#3 Noah Dobson

New York Islanders blue liner Noah Dobson entered Saturday afternoon with one goal and five assists in his last five games. However, Dobson struggled in Saturday’s contest, remaining scoreless.

Dobson managed a shot on goal in 19:25 of ice time over 25 shifts. He delivered two hits but ended the game a minus-3. As such, his subpar season continues to haunt the Isles as they could not leapfrog the Columbus Blue Jackets into the East’s final playoff spot.

#2 Anthony Duclair

Anthony Duclair played a season-low 11:05 over 17 shifts against the Bolts. Duclair, the New York Islanders's biggest offseason acquisition, notched a shot on goal in an inconsequential performance.

He was on the ice for three goals, registering a minus-3 night. With the Isles clinging to slim playoff chances, they will need the forward to step up in the final 10 games.

#1 Bo Horvat

Bo Horvat has been money in the bank all season for the Islanders. However, he was unable to be the difference-maker on Saturday afternoon. Horvat hit the ice for 19:04 minutes, registering three shots on goal with three giveaways.

The center ended the game a minus-3, winning 53 percent of the draws. Considering the Islanders's last-ditch push to make the playoffs, Horvat must continue being the top man, mainly as the club plays without top scorer Mathew Barzal.

New York will return on the ice Sunday evening as they take on Metro Division rivals, the Carolina Hurricanes. They will be looking for another shot at claiming at least a share of the final playoff spot in the East.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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Edited by William Paul