Bo Horvat : Islanders star wins first game in new uniform as his former team Canucks lose

Bo Horvat played his debut as a New York Islander in the 2-1 win against the Philadelphia Flyers, which was their first game since the All-Star break.

The two goals for the Isles were scored by Kyle Pamlieri (in the first period power play) and Mathew Barzal (in the second period). Nicolas Deslauriers brought one back for the Flyers but they could not capitalize on their momentum.

Yesterday, The Isles signed Bo Horvat to an eight-year $68,000,000 contract. Horvat was set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) at the end of the 2022-23 NHL season. However, the Islanders quickly locked up their recently acquired star for the long haul.

Horvat became the second highest-paid player on the Islanders behind Mathew Barzal, who has a 9.125 million AAV contract until the 2030-31 season.

Horvat did not score any goals or assists on his debut. But when asked about it, he said that the team made him feel comfortable coming into the game. He is happy that they secured the win and is settling in well with his new team.

“The guys made me feel really comfortable and they were great. It feels even better to get that win and get my legs under me.”

The Islanders are currently tied for eighth place in the Eastern Conference with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Head coach Lane Lambert believes Horvat will help them make a playoff push and contend for the Championship.

Vancouver Canucks are missing Bo Horvat already

The Vancouver Canucks lost their first game without star Bo Horvat. The New Jersey Devils won the game 5-4 in overtime.

The Canucks traded Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders last week, the first big trade before the March 3 deadline. The exchange saw Anthony Beauvillier and Aatu Raty join the Canucks, along with a draft pick.

The Canucks kicked off the game with a very early goal from Andrei Kuzmenko but conceded four straight goals after that. They turned the tide by making the scoreline 4-4, with goals from Luke Schenn, Curtis Lazar and Phillip Di Giuseppe heading to OT.

Jesper Bratt scored for the New Jersey Devils during the power play with just 41 seconds left on the clock.

Newcomer Anthony Beauvillier played 18 minutes, but could not garner any goals or assists.

Trading away a player like Bo Horvat will always have ramifications, but Vancouver really couldn't afford to lose him for nothing. We shall see how it affects both teams for the remainder of the season.