Mother Nature threw a wrench in the Islanders’ plans this week, forcing a change in their practice schedule. With just two sessions left before they hit the ice in Montreal on Thursday, the team is gearing up for the final push after a three-week Olympic hiatus.
The Islanders, sitting at 32-21-5, hold third place in the Metropolitan Division with 24 games remaining. They wrapped up the pre-Olympic stretch strong, winning five of their last seven, including a 3-1 victory over the Devils. This leaves them just a point shy of the second-place Penguins, who have two games in hand.
With the Olympic break roster freeze lifted, GM Mathieu Darche has until March 6 to make any final tweaks before the trade deadline. After bringing in defenseman Carson Soucy and top-six winger Ondrej Palat, the Islanders are looking to solidify their lineup. Palat, fresh off his Olympic stint with Czechia, is expected back at practice soon.
As the Islanders dive into the season's final stretch, here are five must-watch matchups:
- Saturday at Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets are hot, riding a seven-game winning streak under coach Rick Bowness. Just four points behind the Islanders, and with two games in hand, they pose a real threat to the Islanders' playoff hopes.
A regulation loss here could be costly, especially with another showdown at UBS Arena on March 22. The teams have split their first two encounters, each winning at home.
- March 7 at San Jose Sharks
Post-trade deadline, this game might showcase the final roster configuration. While there's buzz about potential trades involving Anders Lee or Jean-Gabriel Pageau, it’s unlikely Darche will offload key players during a playoff push.
Plus, fans will get another look at San Jose’s rising star, Macklin Celebrini, who shone for Team Canada in the Olympics.
- March 17 at Toronto Maple Leafs
Matthew Schaefer returns close to home for this matchup. The 18-year-old, drafted first overall in 2025, grew up near Toronto.
With a thrilling overtime win against the Leafs earlier this season, Schaefer is sure to have a big cheering section at Scotiabank Arena.
- **March 30 vs.
Pittsburgh Penguins**
This game could preview a first-round playoff series.
Securing a win would help the Islanders leapfrog the Penguins for second place and gain home-ice advantage. The teams have split their previous meetings, with the Islanders claiming an overtime victory at home in February.
It’s a crucial game before they face Buffalo in a back-to-back scenario.
- **April 14 vs.
Carolina Hurricanes**
The regular-season finale might be a do-or-die for playoff qualification.
The Hurricanes, dominant in the division and eyeing the top Eastern Conference seed, are formidable opponents. The Islanders will look to avenge a 6-2 loss from earlier in the season, with this being one of the few remaining division games.
As the Islanders aim for the playoffs, these games will be pivotal in determining their fate. Fans should buckle up for an exciting finish to the season.