Isles Face Devils in Final Tune-Up Before Olympic Break
The Olympic break is almost here, and for NHL fans, that means a pause in the action - but not before one last game for the Islanders. Tonight, they’ll take the ice against the Devils in Newark, with a chance to bank two more points before the schedule goes dark for a bit. After this, it’s 24 games to go in the regular season, and every one of them matters in the playoff race.
The Isles are firmly in the hunt, and while the standings are tight, they’ve put themselves in a position to control their own fate. That makes tonight’s matchup more than just a pre-break formality - it’s a chance to keep momentum rolling and head into the pause on a high note.
The Devils, meanwhile, are well outside the playoff picture - 11 points back of a wild card spot - and just made a curious move, picking up veteran forward Nick Bjugstad from the Blues. It’s the kind of trade that raises eyebrows, especially for a team that’s likely focused more on the future than the present.
But if you’re an Islanders fan, you know how this goes: a guy like Bjugstad, freshly traded, slides into the lineup and suddenly finds the back of the net. Wouldn’t be the first time.
Olympic Break Looms Large
With the league about to hit pause, the focus shifts - at least temporarily - to the Olympics. And while the opening ceremonies may not be circled on every hockey fan’s calendar, the men’s hockey tournament is just six days away. For NHL players heading overseas, the hope is simple: stay healthy, stay sharp, and come back ready to finish the season strong.
For the Islanders, that means keeping an eye on guys like Bo Horvat and Ondrej Palat, who are expected to represent their countries. The Olympic experience is always a thrill, but it also brings risk - especially when the NHL playoff race is as tight as it is this year.
There’s already chatter about the quality of the ice in Italy, and if past tournaments are any indication, we’re likely to hear more about the conditions once the games begin. But for now, the focus is on staying healthy and avoiding any unwanted surprises.
Around the League
Elsewhere in the NHL, the trade market is starting to heat up - and the Kings made a splash by acquiring Artemi Panarin. The deal includes more than just roster pieces: Panarin also inked a short-term extension with an $11 million AAV, signaling that L.A. is going all-in for a postseason push.
The Devils’ acquisition of Bjugstad came at the cost of a depth prospect and a fourth-round pick - a low-risk move, but one that raises questions about their direction heading into the deadline.
In Philadelphia, tensions are boiling over. Rookie standout Matvei Michkov has seen his ice time shrink, and head coach Rick Tocchet isn’t holding back - pointing to conditioning as the reason.
Fans aren’t buying it, and there’s even talk of a coordinated “Fire Tocchet” chant at the next home game. The situation is getting loud, and fast.
Meanwhile, presumed top draft pick Gavin McKenna is facing serious off-ice trouble, reportedly charged with felony assault after allegedly breaking someone’s jaw in a fight. It’s a troubling development for a player expected to be a franchise cornerstone - and a stark reminder that off-ice maturity matters just as much as on-ice skill.
Back on the ice, the Oilers are struggling again. After a midseason surge, they’ve hit another rough patch, and the urgency is real.
Edmonton knows the clock is ticking if they want another shot at the Cup Final - even if that means another heartbreak in June. Goaltender Tristan Jarry, for his part, seems to be embracing the chaos, admitting that, well, he is who he is.
Looking Ahead
As we hit the pause button for the Olympics, there are plenty of questions around the league. How will the uneven number of Olympic participants affect teams when play resumes? Will the break help struggling squads reset, or will it throw off the rhythm of those who are rolling?
For the Islanders, it’s simple: take care of business tonight, stay healthy through the break, and come back ready for the sprint to the finish. The playoff race is tight, the stakes are high, and the margin for error is razor-thin.
Tonight’s game in New Jersey may not have the glitz of a marquee showdown, but make no mistake - for the Isles, it matters.