As the NHL calendar hits pause for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, the New York Islanders find themselves in a pivotal stretch that could shape the rest of their season. Sitting third in the Metropolitan Division with a 30-20-5 record, the Isles are in the thick of a playoff race-and this final week before the Olympic break is anything but a breather.
The Final Push Before the Break
Let’s start with the schedule. The Islanders are staring down a three-games-in-four-nights stretch, with matchups that carry serious postseason implications. The league officially halts play after Thursday, Feb. 5, so this week is all about banking points and building momentum before the three-week Olympic layoff.
And these aren’t just any games. They’re Metro Division showdowns with real weight.
- Monday vs. Washington Capitals: This one’s a tone-setter.
Washington is scrapping for a wild card spot and trying to climb back into the top three. The Islanders can’t afford to give ground here-not with the standings as tight as they are.
A regulation win does more than just add two points; it keeps a direct rival at arm’s length.
- Tuesday vs. Pittsburgh Penguins: Circle this one.
The Penguins currently sit second in the Metro, just ahead of the Islanders. It’s a classic four-point swing game and could very well be a playoff preview.
These are the games that define a season-where seeding, tiebreakers, and bragging rights are all on the line.
This stretch isn’t just about surviving the schedule. It’s about setting the tone for the post-Olympic sprint.
Go into the break hot, and you come out of it with confidence and control. Limp into the pause, and suddenly you're chasing the pack.
Trade Deadline Heat Check
The Olympic break might be the focus now, but just around the corner is the NHL trade deadline on March 6. And the Islanders are starting to look like buyers.
General manager Mathieu Darche has already made a couple of moves that speak volumes. The team brought in veteran forward Ondrej Palat from the Devils and added blueliner Carson Soucy from the Rangers-two deals that signal a win-now mentality.
With injuries hitting key players earlier this season-namely Kyle Palmieri and Alexander Romanov-the Isles have had to navigate some lineup turbulence. But if they can close out this week strong, it could give Darche the green light to make another splash, likely targeting top-six scoring help or defensive depth.
The message is clear: this team believes it can make a run. And they’re not waiting around to see how things shake out.
Health Check: Who’s In, Who’s Out
The return of Bo Horvat is a major boost. After missing nine games, he’s back in the lineup and working his way back to full speed.
He admitted he’s still “shaking off the rust,” but even with the missed time, he’s tracking to surpass his usual goal-scoring pace. That’s exactly the kind of impact the Islanders need from their top-line center as they head into the most critical stretch of the season.
On the flip side, Calum Ritchie won’t be back before the Olympic break. The promising forward is still nursing a lower-body injury, and head coach Patrick Roy confirmed he’ll remain sidelined through next week. The team will have to rely on its depth to fill that gap for now.
The Week Ahead: Feb. 1-8
Here’s what’s on the docket for the Islanders before the Olympic flame is lit in Milano:
- Monday: vs. Washington Capitals
- Tuesday: vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
- Thursday: Final game before the break (opponent not listed)
Every game is a playoff-caliber contest. Every shift matters. And for a team looking to assert itself in a crowded Metropolitan Division, this week isn’t just about keeping pace-it’s about making a statement.
The Islanders have the pieces. The question now is whether they can put it all together before the curtain falls on this part of the season. If they do, they’ll head into the Olympic break not just in the hunt-but in control.