The New York Islanders will kick off the 2025-26 NHL season on October 9 with a road matchup against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. The question is whether No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer will be in the lineup to play against the 2005 No. 1 pick and all-time great in "Sid the Kid."
Just two nights later, the Islanders will return to Long Island for their home opener on October 11, welcoming the Washington Capitals to UBS Arena. Washington, the defending Metro Division champions, played the Islanders in a pair of memorable matchups down the stretch last season, including Alexander Ovechkin breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal-scoring record on Apr.