Elmont, NY – Bo Horvat's second career hat trick propelled the New York Islanders to a 4-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night at UBS Arena, snapping their three-game losing streak to start the season. Horvat's heroics, including the game-winning goal on the power play with less than five minutes remaining, secured the Islanders' first win of the season and prevented them from falling to 0-4-0 for the first time in franchise history.

The Islanders struck first when Mathew Barzal capitalized on an Oilers turnover, stealing the puck from Evan Bouchard in the neutral zone and beating goaltender Stuart Skinner with a shot over the glove. However, the Oilers responded quickly on the power play, with Leon Draisaitl netting his third goal of the season off a pass from Connor McDavid to tie the game. Edmonton then took the lead in the second period when Ryan Nugent-Hopkins fired a shot over Islanders goalie David Rittich's glove.

The Islanders answered back with a shorthanded goal by Horvat, tying the game at 2-2 late in the second period. Jean-Gabriel Pageau set up the goal with a backhanded pass to Horvat, who beat Skinner.

With the score tied 2-2 late in the third period, the Islanders got a crucial power play opportunity after Trent Frederic was penalized for high-sticking. Horvat then scored his second goal of the night, taking a pass from Barzal and firing a one-timer past Skinner to give the Islanders a 3-2 lead with 4:46 left in the game. Horvat completed his hat trick with an empty-net goal with just eight seconds remaining, sealing the 4-2 victory for New York. This was Horvat's first hat trick since October 22, 2019.

David Rittich, making his Islanders debut, was solid in net, stopping 30 of 32 shots. Skinner, on the other hand, allowed three goals on 24 shots.

Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, playing against McDavid for the first time, recorded an assist and skated for over 17 minutes.

The Oilers struggled with defensive miscues, including a costly turnover by Evan Bouchard that led to Barzal's opening goal and a late penalty by Frederic that resulted in Horvat's game-winning goal.

With the win, the Islanders improved to 1-3-0 on the season and will visit the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. The Oilers fell to 1-1-0 on their road trip and will visit the New Jersey Devils on Saturday.