Everybody knows it, but few dare to speak on it: facing a former team has an extra twist in the NHL, and in sports in general. Ahead of the crucial game between the New York Islanders and Vancouver Canucks, Bo Horvat sent a bold message to Quinn Hughes, Elias Pettersson, and his former teammates in British Columbia.

The Islanders and Canucks will headline a marquee matchup in the NHL on March 26, as both sides are eager to secure the two points and climb in the standings. Winning is pivotal for both parties, but wins would have different effects in Long Island and Vancouver.

With a win over the Canucks, the Islanders would take sole possession of the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. At least until the Montreal Canadiens play on March 27 and equal New York’s games played total.

Meanwhile, the Canucks could cut the deficit behind the wild card teams in the West, but are still currently five games behind the St. Louis Blues, who currently own the WC2 berth. Ahead of a critical duel between the Canucks and Isles, Horvat delivered a bold admission, warning his former teammates in Vancouver.

Quinn Hughes #43 of the Vancouver Canucks reacts in the third period against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on March 24, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. The Vancouver Canucks defeated the New Jersey Devils 4-3 after an overtime period and a shootout.

“You want to perform against your old team. It does bring extra motivation,” Islanders forward Bo Horvat stated about his meeting with the Canucks, per Sportsnet.

Horvat’s years in Vancity

Horvat was drafted by the Canucks with the 9th overall selection in the 2013 NHL entry Draft. In 2019, Horvat was named captain and led the team both on and off the ice, until he was traded to the Islanders in 2023. Since, Hughes took over as captain along with Pettersson as alternate.

Since moving to Elmont, New York, Horvat has faced the Canucks in four ocassions, scoring two goals and registering three assists against his former team. It’s made pretty evident he’s been playing with an extra chip on his shoulder whenever going up against the Canucks. However, his record against the Canucks is of 1-2-1.

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Different situations

New York will vie to snap their losing streak after suffering consecutive losses against the Flames and Blue Jackets. The Canucks, on the other hand, will look to finish their stay in the Tri-State area with a winning record, after losing to the Rangers at Madison Square Garden and beating the Devils at The Rock.