ELMONT, NY — On a night in which they lost their leading goal-scorer, Bo Horvat, to a leg injury, the New York Islanders defeated the Anaheim Ducks 5-2 on Thursday night at UBS Arena behind two goals from Anders Lee and the first-career tally for rookie defenseman Travis Mitchell.

With the win, the Islanders (18-11-3, 39 points) have won five of their last six games and are now within one point of the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

And they did so against a Ducks team that currently holds the top spot in the Pacific Division.

The game opened with an electrifying first period, setting the tone for a night full of milestones.

The Islanders struck early, with Mitchell scoring his first career NHL goal, assisted by Scott Mayfield and Anthony Duclair. This marked a special moment for M

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