Matthew Shaefer’s goal stands out as Islanders struggle in their first major challenge.

The Islanders were feeling pretty good about their performance in the first four games of the season. However, until Saturday, they hadn’t really faced off against a strong competitor. With that match-up finally occurring, the Islanders can take some positives away, but overall, the results were disappointing. The Lightning proved to be quicker and more […]
Islanders demonstrating improvement in struggling power play

Islanders’ Power Play Shows Signs of Improvement The Islanders are being cautious about their power play’s respectable start. The phrase “work in progress” seems to be the go-to response from everyone involved. Still, it’s hard not to notice the progress. Following Saturday’s 5-3 defeat to the Lightning at UBS Arena, the 5-on-4 unit is converting […]
Islanders are looking forward to an update on Bo Horvat’s situation following a head check penalty.

The Islanders are currently uncertain about Bo Horvat’s status. The newly appointed captain is still being assessed after an illegal check to the head from Frank Nazar during Thursday night’s game against Chicago. Horvat was promptly taken out of the match by the league’s concussion spotters and missed an optional practice on Friday at UBS […]
Semyon Varlamov returns to the Islanders after a 676-day absence

Varlamov’s Remarkable Return to the Ice On Tuesday, it had been 676 days since Semyon Varlamov took to the net during a mostly forgettable overtime loss in Washington. One of the odd parts of this timeline is that Varlamov wasn’t labeled as injured until two games later. The very next day, he was a backup […]
Updated Belmont Park enters a new phase—anticipating an outdoor Islanders game

They’re nearing the finish line. These past weeks have been quite significant in Nassau with Belmont Park racetrack’s reopening ushering in a new era for the Islanders at the nearby UBS Arena. Collaborative efforts are transforming these two venues into a cohesive entertainment hub, with hopes for outdoor hockey games taking place on the spacious […]
Islanders aiming to stick to rest strategy for Ilya Sorokin

Managing Goaltending Early in the Season The Islanders have faced a recurring issue in recent seasons: Ilya Sorokin’s exceptional performance often leads to his overuse, as the team feels the urgency to rely on him during crucial parts of the schedule. This year, with a couple more games added to the calendar, coach Pete DeBoer […]
New York Islanders invite cherished 105-year-old WWII veteran Dominick Critelli to perform the national anthem again

He’s a national treasure. A cherished 105-year-old WWII Army veteran, Dominick Critelli, known for his remarkable saxophone version of the national anthem, brought excitement to fans once again at the Islanders’ home opener against the New Jersey Devils on Saturday. “What this country has done for me, no other country in the world could do […]
Islanders’ lineup changes lead to a decisive victory in home opener against Devils

On nights like this, when Matthew Schaefer is thriving, the energy of the crowd is palpable, and the power play is finally clicking, the team’s vision comes into focus. It’s all about that potential and excitement. Throughout training camp, the Islanders have sometimes seemed like a team still gearing up. It’s tough to say whether […]
Victor Eklund encounters Auston Matthews’ line in his first game with the Islanders

Victor Eklund Surprises Even Himself by Making Islanders Roster TORONTO — Perhaps the most astonished individual to discover he’d secured a spot on the Islanders roster was Victor Eklund himself. Even as the preseason progressed and it became somewhat known that he had made the team, Eklund remained grounded about it. So, when he was […]
Islanders resolve last lineup issue with unusual line combination

Islanders Finalize Forward Lines Ahead of Season Opener The Islanders had one last question concerning their forward lines: who to pair with Casey Cizikas? Based on the preseason finale this past Saturday, it seems that has been resolved. Earlier in the day, the Islanders waived Mitchell Chaffee, and had Ondrej Palat and Anthony Duclair on […]