Ilya Sorokin is poised to make his return in net for the New York Islanders against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday after missing seven games with a lower-body injury. Rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer is questionable with an illness, while forward Bo Horvat—who was hurt earlier this week—is expected to join the upcoming road trip.
Following Monday's practice on January 5 at Northwell Health Ice Center, the Islanders are preparing for Tuesday's 7:30 p.m. ET home game against divisional rival New Jersey at UBS Arena.
Sorokin, sidelined since December 19 against Vancouver, skated for the third straight day and is expected to start. He carries a 12-10-2 record, 2.55 GAA, .910 save percentage and three shutouts in 24 games this season. Backup David Rittich went 4-2-1 with a 2.30 GAA, .911 save percentage and one shutout in seven starts during Sorokin's absence. Coach Patrick Roy lauded Rittich: "David has been playing so well for us, and he brings a lot of confidence. There was no hurry for Ilya to come in and feel ready when he was."
Rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, leading Islanders freshmen with 28 points (12G, 16A), missed practice due to illness and is a game-time decision. He has appeared in all games this season, including two goals and the overtime winner in Saturday's 4-3 win over Toronto.
Bo Horvat, the team's leading scorer who sustained a lower-body injury on January 1 versus Utah, also sat out practice but is projected to rejoin for the seven-game road trip beginning Thursday in Nashville. The Islanders look to build momentum from their recent victory.