The Islanders are 2-0 against the Devils this season, winning both games by a single goal despite being outshot 67-49. New York will be without Bo Horvat, who has 33 points (21 goals) in 36 games—27.5% of the team's scoring. His absence and 57.6% face-off win rate (8th in the NHL) are major losses. New York has been held to 2 or fewer goals in regulation when Bo Horvat has not played (six games). Top defenseman Matthew Schaefer (28 points, 23:50 ice time) is also out. The Islanders rank 32nd in high-danger shots against with Schaefer on the ice. Ilya Sorokin returns after missing seven games, but with a depleted roster in front of him, the Devils may have more scoring chances than usual.