16-07-2025
NHL Releases 2025-26 NHL Regular Season: Islanders Key Dates & Notes
The New York Islanders will begin the 2025-26 season on the road when they visit the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 9.
New York's home opener will be on October 11 when they host the Washington Capitals.
Here are some other key dates on the schedule:
Colorado Avalanche forward Brock Nelson will make his return to Long Island on Thursday, Dec. 4.
For the Islanders, Jonathan Drouin and assistant coach Ray Bennett will make their returns to Colorado when the Islanders head to Ball Arena on Sunday, Nov. 16.
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Noah Dobson will make his return to Long Island on Sunday, Apr. 12, the second to last game of the regular season.
The Islanders will first square off with the New York Rangers on Sat, Nov. 8 at MSG.
Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) on X #Isles battle the #NYR, concluding the season series with a home & home: Sat, Nov 8 at MSG, 7 PM Sat, Dec. 27 at UBS, 6 PM Wed, Jan. 28 at UBS, 7:30 Thur, Jan. 29 at MSG, 7 PM
If Matthew Schaefer joins the Islanders in the NHL this season, he will face his favorite NHL team growing up, the Toronto Maple Leafs, on Saturday, Jan 3, with his first visit to Scotiabank Arena being on Tuesday, March 17.
Other noteables:
- 10 of last 12 games at UBS Arena
- Home games are back to 7 PM, outside of a few
- 5 home games begin at 1 PM
- 13 total afternoon starts
- 2 seven-game road trips
- 15 back-to-backs this season
- Columbus Day matinee vs. WPG
- Thanskgiving Eve vs. BOS
- No game New Year's Eve but host UTAH on New Year's Day
*game times are subject to change
PHOTO: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
