Game Recap
The New York Islanders defeated the Anaheim Ducks 5-2 on Thursday night at UBS Arena behind two goals from Anders Lee and the first-career tally for rookie defenseman Travis Mitchell.
Dec 11, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27) celebrates his goal against the Anaheim Ducks with teammates during the first period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Current Standings
The win brings the Islanders to 18-11-3, with 39 points, and they are now within one point of the top spot in the Eastern Conference. They did so against a Ducks team that currently holds the top spot in the Pacific Division.
The Game
The game opened with an electrifying first period, setting the tone for a night full of milestones. The Islanders struck early, with Mitchell scoring his first career NHL goal, assisted by Scott Mayfield and Anthony Duclair. This marked a special moment for Mitchell, a player eager to make his mark on the league.
“It’s pretty unbelievable to actually score a goal in the NHL,” Mitchell said. “You dream of it as a kid playing basement hockey… So then to actually kind of turn that into a reality is pretty cool.”
Soon after, the Islanders went on the power play after Ryan Strome of Anaheim was penalized for high-sticking, and they cashed in again. Lee scored his first goal of the night. This goal was monumental, as it pushed him to 296 career goals, making him the fifth-highest goal scorer in Islanders’ franchise history, surpassing Brock Nelson.
Career Milestones
Lee’s remarkable achievement was a testament to his consistency and presence on the ice, solidifying his place among the Isles’ greats. “I’m sure he’ll see it, but it’s been special to share that with him for a little bit,” Lee joked when asked if he’d reach out to his former teammate, who is now with the Colorado Avalanche. “Most of those goals we both scored together for a very long time.” Lee found the back of the net again on the power play, marking his 297th career goal — a huge achievement for the captain on a night where everything seemed to go right.
Power Play Performance
This was the Islanders’ first game with multiple power play goals since Oct. 21, when they faced the San Jose Sharks. With this performance, they ended a 24-game stretch without scoring more than one power-play goal in a game.
Bo Horvat’s Night Cut Short
Horvat was forced out of the game in the second period after suffering what the Islanders described as a lower-body injury after he tangled skates with Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson. He immediately left the contest and went to the locker room for evaluation. The play appeared to be the result of a misstep that put stress on his ankle.
His absence marks a significant moment in Thursday night’s game. Horvat has been a driving force for New York this season, and losing him mid-game shifted the lineup and put added responsibility on players like Mathew Barzal and Lee to maintain the Islanders’ offensive push.
Head Coach Patrick Roy on losing Horvat: “When you lose a player like Bo, you don’t try and replace him, because it’s impossible.” Later in the third period, Simon Holmstrom scored the fourth goal of the night for the Islanders, making it 4-2.
“Simon, when he plays with that confidence, the goal that he scored and the plays that he made… I think that’s important to him, and I thought he was confident tonight.”
Conclusion
The Islanders’ win over the Ducks is a significant one, especially considering they lost Bo Horvat to injury. The team’s ability to adapt and continue scoring despite his absence is a testament to their depth and resilience. With this win, they move closer to the top spot in the Eastern Conference, setting themselves up for a strong push in the second half of the season.
FAQs
For more on the Islanders, visit AMNY.com
Q: Who scored the first goal for the Islanders?
A: Travis Mitchell scored his first career NHL goal.
Q: How many goals did Anders Lee score?
A: Anders Lee scored two goals.
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The final score was 5-2 in favor of the Islanders.
Q: Who got injured during the game?
A: Bo Horvat suffered a lower-body injury and was forced out of the game.
