The Islanders 2025-2026 season got underway two weeks ago yesterday. Today were going to go through some of the ups and downs and surprises of the season so far.
To start with, the Islanders opened their season on October 9th versus Pittsburgh, the much anticipated NHL debut for #1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer. Save for a time in the third period it was a solid game that unfortunately ended up in a loss for the Isles. You noticed a definite change from last year in the way they played with speed off the rush and of course Schaefer already made an impression recording an assist in his first game.
Then started a home stand with the home opener, the Columbus Day Matinee vs Winnipeg & Thursday night vs the Oilers. Thus far this season, the home opener and the game vs Winnipeg are the two worst games the team has played. The home opener until the third period was completely lifeless was just a bad game. The highlight of that night was of course Matthew Schaefers first NHL goal. The Winnipeg game, we just didnt seem to belong on the ice with them that afternoon. One common theme from both games was that our play in our own zone left a lot to be desired and started to be akin to the one year Doug Weight coached us where defense was optional.
Then everything started turning around and the winning streak began. Thursday night vs Edmonton with David Rittich in net. With the potency of the Oilers offense and how we had looked in our own zone coming into the game it was kind of bleak. However, after looking to put it frankly, pretty bad in pre season Rittich looked like a different guy that night. Horvat and Barzal broke through and got on the score sheet, Horvat in a big way with the hat-trick and they cracked through and got their first win of the season.
The gutsy Saturday win in Ottawa, wasn't pretty but not all wins will be works of art. The late goal by Lee showed a lot of tenacity. As well as the team itself never giving up.
Tuesday vs San Jose was another solid game, a game with multiple power play goals mind you. That is not something we have been able to say a lot in recent years. This was also the night of Matthew Schaefers first NHL multi point game.
Then comes last night, our 4th win in a row and by far the best game we have played all season. Play in our own zone was sound, even D'Angelo who had struggled with turnovers in recent games. Rittich came up big again and had a terrific start. Something encouraging from this game was that the team was able to put up 7 goals and got 0 points from rookie sensation Matthew Schaefer. It was Schaefers first game in his young career without recording a point.
Schaefer has been a revelation! I don't think anyone expected him to be as good, comfortable and just seemingly like a natural fit so early in his NHL career at such a young age. Can't say it enough, but hes a special talent like we haven't had around here possibly ever. With his skill level that will no doubt keep improving over the years plus his personality, he could be a NY superstar.
Off the ice, we touched on it the other day but was the big surprise of replacing long time goalie coach Piero Greco after the win versus the Sharks on Tuesday. For more on this can check out our post about it here.
All in all, we have experienced the ups and downs of an NHL season. Through 3 games, the Islanders looked like they would be competing for one of the top spots in the draft come next June. Then came the current 4 game winning streak and that all changed.
Lets see what the next couple weeks have in store.
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