Anthony Duclair’s return helps Islanders click with healthy forward group
TORONTO — After eight weeks, the biggest piece still missing from the Islanders' puzzle has finally clicked back into place. Anthony Duclair made his long-awaited return to action for the Isles on Saturday in Toronto, recording an assist as the Islanders defeated the Maple Leafs 6-3. The win marked the team's first game with a […]
Islanders hoping stars can help prevent season from slipping away
TORONTO — Three months ago, Mathew Barzal wondered what he could do on the top line with Bo Horvat and Anthony Duclair, what heights this trio would take the Islanders, and how he'll represent Canada in February. I was imagining what it would be like to play. It took just five games of the season […]
Struggling Islanders searching for answers to first period woes
The good news for the Islanders is that they haven't been able to extend their lead in the third period recently. But with that topic at the center, their game in the first period suddenly became an issue. Tuesday night's 4-0 loss to the Hurricanes was the eighth consecutive game in which the Islanders have […]
Islanders are fortunate to have legitimate chance to make playoffs
Historically, the Islanders are in their worst position through 33 games in over a decade. In terms of the standings, they have the good fortune of competing with a group of teams that don't look all that much better than them. No matter how you look at it, the Islanders' 31 points in 33 games […]
Islanders get trounced by Hurricanes in embarrassing loss
RALEIGH, N.C. — Islanders who believe they can turn their season around are facing a harsh reality when they take to the ice. The latest indignity, Tuesday's 4-0 loss to the Hurricanes at Lenovo Center, proves that the Islanders, who were last above NHL .500 on Oct. 25, are a team, currently playing 33 games […]
Noah Dobson finally returning to form for Islanders
RALEIGH, N.C. — Coincidence or not, the dividing line for Noah Dobson's season now appears to be set for his final game against the Sabers in November. That was when Patrick Roy played defense for the final 6 minutes, 47 seconds of a 3-0 win over the Sabers, and Dobson finished with 17 minutes, 53 […]
Islanders still trying to end concerning trend of slow starts
RALEIGH, N.C. — The last time the Islanders played in what is now the Lenovo Center, their night ended in Game 5 of the first round, when their 2023-24 season came to an unforgettable end. So it's no surprise that once they return, they hope Tuesday will be the day the 2024-25 season kicks off […]
Islanders still look disjointed in brutal loss to lowly Blackhawks
CHICAGO — Just like the injured Islanders, here are the healthier Islanders. It's never simple, it's never easy, and there's always disappointment around the corner. If anyone thought Sunday was a chance for the Islanders to write the first chapter of a turnaround for the season with Matt Barzal and Adam Pelech back in the […]
Mat Barzal, Adam Pelech return from injuries in big Islanders boost
CHICAGO — Matt Barzal looked like Christmas came early. After six weeks on the sidelines, Barzal and Adam Pelech will return from injury Sunday afternoon against the Blackhawks, joining an Islanders team that suddenly appears to be moving up in contention for a wild-card spot in the empty Eastern Conference. It's getting closer to being […]
Islanders nearing full strength as stars inch towards return
CHICAGO — The Islanders' lineup will look different Sunday. It might be a little closer to what they envisioned in training camp. Adam Pelech, who has missed the past six weeks with a jaw injury, will return against the Blackhawks, coach Patrick Roy confirmed after Saturday's practice. Matt Barzal, who missed the same amount of […]