Islanders vs. Golden Knights preview: Horvat hot, Sorokin in form as Vegas seeks turnaround

The New York Islanders head to T-Mobile Arena riding a wave of momentum as they face the Vegas Golden Knights on November 13, 2025, in what promises to be an intriguing matchup between two teams heading in opposite directions. The Islanders are looking to extend their winning streak to three games after a thrilling overtime victory against the New Jersey Devils, while the Golden Knights are searching for answers after dropping their last three contests. Both teams will feature notable lineup adjustments that could significantly impact the outcome of this Western Conference showdown.

With the Islanders currently sitting at 8-6-2 and the Golden Knights at 7-4-4, this game represents a crucial opportunity for both clubs to solidify their positioning in their respective divisions. The 10 p.m. ET puck drop will showcase some of the league’s premier talent, including the red-hot Bo Horvat and Vegas’s newly acquired star Mitch Marner, making this one of Thursday night’s must-watch contests.

Islanders vs Golden Knights projected lineup November 13, 2025: New York’s forward combinations

The Islanders’ forward lines for this matchup feature some intriguing combinations that Head Coach Patrick Roy has assembled to capitalize on recent offensive success. The top line remains intact with Emil Heineman flanking Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri, a trio that has provided consistent production throughout the season. Horvat continues to be the engine driving New York’s offense, entering the game with a scorching nine points in his last six games, including six goals and three assists.

The second line showcases the team’s playmaking prowess with Jonathan Drouin joining Mathew Barzal and Simon Holmstrom. Barzal, fresh off his overtime heroics against New Jersey where he buried the game-winner, brings nine assists to lead the team in that category. His chemistry with linemates has been developing nicely, and this unit will be tasked with matching up against Vegas’s formidable top line featuring Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner.

Veterans Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau center the third line alongside Anthony Duclair, providing depth scoring that has been crucial during the Islanders’ recent success. This line combines Lee’s net-front presence with Duclair’s speed and Pageau’s two-way reliability. The fourth line features the gritty Casey Cizikas between young Calum Ritchie and Maxim Tsyplakov, a combination designed to provide energy and defensive stability while the team protects a lead.

One notable absence from the Islanders’ forward group is Kyle MacLean, who finds himself as a healthy scratch for this contest. The decision reflects Roy’s commitment to maintaining the lineup continuity that has produced back-to-back victories. With Maxim Shabanov still recovering from an upper-body injury, though he’s making positive progress and shed his non-contact jersey for morning skate, the forward depth remains tested but functional.

Islanders vs Golden Knights projected lineup November 13, 2025: New York’s defensive pairings and goaltending

The Islanders’ blue line will have a different look for this matchup due to a heartwarming personal matter involving Scott Mayfield. The veteran defenseman has flown back to New York for the birth of his first child and has been placed on the non-roster list. In his absence, Adam Boqvist draws back into the lineup for the first time since October 30, partnering with Alexander Romanov on the third pairing.

The top defensive pairing features rookie sensation Matthew Schaefer alongside Ryan Pulock, a combination that has provided stability throughout the season. Schaefer leads all Islanders skaters with an average ice time of 22:13 per game and has impressed with his poise and decision-making despite his youth. Pulock continues to be a shot-blocking machine, leading the team with 28 blocked shots while providing his trademark heavy shot from the point on the power play.

Adam Pelech and Tony DeAngelo comprise the second pairing, bringing a blend of defensive reliability and offensive creativity. Pelech, tied with Horvat for the team-best plus-nine rating, remains one of the league’s most underrated shutdown defenders. DeAngelo provides the offensive punch with his ability to quarterback the power play and join the rush effectively. Roy emphasized the importance of Boqvist playing well defensively alongside Romanov, noting his skating ability and puck-moving skills as assets the team wants to utilize.

Between the pipes, Ilya Sorokin gets the nod and enters the game riding a four-game point streak with a 3-0-1 record during that span. His numbers against Vegas are particularly impressive, boasting a lifetime .939 save percentage and 1.96 goals-against average with two shutouts in six career appearances against the Golden Knights. Sorokin has turned aside 112 of 118 shots over his last four starts, posting a stellar .949 save percentage that has been instrumental in the Islanders’ recent success against division rivals.

Islanders vs Golden Knights projected lineup November 13, 2025: Vegas’s offensive weapons

The Golden Knights’ forward group remains formidable despite dealing with several key injuries that have tested their organizational depth. The top line features a star-studded combination of Ivan Barbashev, Jack Eichel, and Mitch Marner, representing one of the most skilled trios in the NHL. Eichel leads the team with 22 points and continues to be the catalyst for Vegas’s offensive attack, while Marner has seamlessly integrated into his new surroundings after spending nine seasons with Toronto.

Marner’s acquisition has proven to be a significant boost for the Golden Knights, as he’s averaging over a point per game with 19 points (4 goals, 15 assists) in just 15 games. His playmaking ability and hockey IQ complement Eichel’s dynamic skill set perfectly, creating matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. Barbashev provides the physical element and goal-scoring touch, having tallied six goals and 12 points so far this season, making him the team’s second-leading point producer.

The second line will feature Pavel Dorofeyev, Tomas Hertl, and Braeden Bowman, with Bowman being recalled from Henderson of the AHL to fill in for Alexander Holtz. Dorofeyev has been Vegas’s most consistent goal scorer with 10 tallies leading the team, while Hertl brings veteran savvy and a strong two-way game. The insertion of Bowman represents an opportunity for the young forward to prove he deserves regular NHL minutes in a crucial game situation.

Brandon Saad, Brett Howden, and Reilly Smith compose the third line, offering a veteran presence that can chip in offensively while maintaining defensive responsibility. The fourth line of Cole Reinhardt, Colton Sissons, and Keegan Kolesar provides the energy and physicality that has long been a trademark of successful Golden Knights teams. The absence of Mark Stone (upper body) and William Karlsson (lower body) continues to impact Vegas’s forward depth, forcing players into elevated roles and testing the team’s ability to maintain offensive production.

Islanders vs Golden Knights projected lineup November 13, 2025: Vegas’s defensive corps and netminding situation

The Golden Knights’ blue line features an experienced group led by the top pairing of Brayden McNabb and Shea Theodore. McNabb has been an absolute workhorse for Vegas, leading the entire NHL with 47 blocked shots—a testament to his willingness to sacrifice his body for the team’s success. Theodore remains the offensive catalyst from the back end, utilizing his elite skating and vision to jump into the rush and quarterback the power play.

Noah Hanifin and Kaedan Korczak form the second defensive pairing, bringing a combination of experience and emerging talent. Hanifin, acquired in a previous season, has provided solid two-way play and the ability to eat significant minutes against quality competition. Korczak continues his development as a young defenseman capable of contributing at both ends of the ice, and his pairing with Hanifin allows him to learn from a proven veteran.

The third pairing consists of Jeremy Lauzon and Zach Whitecloud, both of whom bring physicality and shot-blocking prowess to round out the defensive depth. This pairing is particularly effective in penalty-killing situations and provides the Golden Knights with the ability to roll three competitive defensive pairs throughout the game. Ben Hutton sits as a healthy scratch, giving the coaching staff an option should any adjustments be needed.

In goal, the Golden Knights face a challenging situation with Adin Hill sidelined with a lower-body injury. Akira Schmid is expected to get the start, continuing an alternating pattern with Carl Lindbom that has been in place for nine consecutive games. This goaltending uncertainty represents a significant concern for Vegas, especially when facing a red-hot Horvat and an Islanders team that has found its offensive rhythm. Schmid will need to be sharp against an Islanders squad that has scored three or more goals in five of their last seven games, similar to the challenges faced by teams dealing with goaltending rotations.

Key matchups and tactical considerations for November 13, 2025

This game features several compelling individual battles that could determine the outcome. The matchup between Bo Horvat and Jack Eichel represents a clash of elite two-way centers at the peak of their powers. Horvat’s recent offensive explosion, featuring 12 goals and 20 points to lead the Islanders in both categories, puts immense pressure on Vegas’s defensive structure. Meanwhile, Eichel’s 22 points and ability to elevate his linemates’ play makes him a constant threat that Pelech and the Islanders’ shutdown pairing will need to contain.

The special teams battle could prove decisive, particularly with both teams possessing dangerous power-play units. Kyle Palmieri already has a power-play goal in the Islanders’ last game, and with Pulock’s heavy point shot and DeAngelo’s playmaking ability, New York’s man-advantage unit can strike quickly. Vegas counters with Theodore and Marner orchestrating their power play, creating a fascinating chess match between the two coaching staffs.

Roy’s decision to trust Boqvist in his return to the lineup after nearly two weeks as a healthy scratch demonstrates confidence in the Swedish defenseman’s abilities. However, Boqvist will need to be defensively sound against a Vegas team that excels at generating odd-man rushes and capitalizing on defensive mistakes. His partnership with Romanov will be tested early and often by the Golden Knights’ speed through the neutral zone.

The goaltending matchup heavily favors the Islanders, with Sorokin’s recent form and historical success against Vegas providing a significant advantage. His .949 save percentage over the last four games suggests he’s seeing the puck exceptionally well, and his comfort level at T-Mobile Arena—where he’s posted two career shutouts—cannot be overlooked. Schmid, while capable, lacks the track record and current form to match Sorokin’s level, potentially forcing Vegas to win a higher-scoring affair than they’d prefer.

What this game means for both teams moving forward

For the Islanders, this matchup represents an opportunity to build genuine momentum on a challenging seven-game road trip that tests their mettle against Western Conference competition. Winning three straight would signal that this team has found its identity under Roy’s coaching and can compete consistently regardless of the opponent or venue. The ability to win with Sorokin playing at an elite level while getting balanced scoring from multiple lines suggests the Islanders are starting to hit their stride at the right time.

The Golden Knights desperately need to snap their three-game losing skid before it spirals into something more concerning. At 7-4-4, Vegas still occupies a playoff position, but the Pacific Division remains tightly contested, and dropping games at home represents missed opportunities to bank crucial points. The injuries to Stone, Karlsson, and Hill have tested the team’s depth, and how they respond to adversity will define their season’s trajectory.

Both teams’ power plays have been crucial to their success this season, and the team that can capitalize with the man advantage likely takes control of this contest. The Islanders have shown improved discipline recently, but playing in Vegas’s electric atmosphere could test their composure. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights need their home crowd to provide energy that has been lacking during their recent struggles.

As the puck drops at T-Mobile Arena, the stage is set for a compelling battle between two teams with contrasting momentums. The Islanders’ confidence is soaring thanks to Horvat’s offensive surge and Sorokin’s elite goaltending, while the Golden Knights look to leverage their home-ice advantage and star power to reverse their recent fortunes. With significant lineup changes on both sides—from Mayfield’s absence for the Islanders to Vegas’s injury concerns—this game will test each team’s depth and adaptability.

The contrasting styles should produce an entertaining game, with the Islanders focusing on tight checking and goaltending excellence while the Golden Knights aim to use their skill and speed to generate high-danger chances. Barzal’s playmaking against Eichel’s offensive creativity, Horvat’s hot streak against McNabb’s defensive prowess, and Sorokin’s brilliance against Schmid’s determination all represent compelling storylines. For fans tuning in at 10 p.m. ET, this matchup offers everything that makes November hockey exciting—playoff positioning implications, star power, and teams fighting to establish their identity for the long season ahead.