Isles Day-to-Day: Sorokin To Start, Line Changes vs Kings

Ritchie appreciated the vote of confidence from the Islanders’ teaching workers to place him alongside the group’s main purpose scorer in Horvat.

“It feels great, but obviously, I have to perform,” Ritchie stated.

Ritchie stated Horvat is a straightforward participant to play with of their time collectively on the ability play, or when the Islanders have been between line adjustments. Horvat will shoulder extra duties as the middle on their line, so Ritchie understands his function is to help Horvat on the wing.

“I want to be good on the walls, down low, protect pucks, hang on to pucks and make those skilled plays,” Ritchie stated. “He plays with a lot of peace, and I just have to play with peace and keep up with him and kind of read off him and learn from him.”

Horvat stated Ritchie’s hockey IQ is an asset he can deliver to his line and praised his growth as a rookie.

“He just continues to keep getting better and better,” Horvat stated of Ritchie. “His playmaking abilities, his vision, the way he sees the ice is what stands out to me.”