The New York Islanders could have found a diamond in the rough by scouring the depths of the seventh round of the 2025 NHL Draft.

For the first time in years, the New York Islanders feel alive. Not competitive in a grind-it-out way. Alive in a way that pulls you forward in your seat. Since

The Islanders are on pace for 102 points and sit second in the East. The standings can shift quickly, though, and prudence may be wise.

The New York Islanders have never needed fireworks to make noise. They have preferred substance over sizzle, structure over chaos and patience over panic.

Emil Heineman and Mathew Barzal scored in the shootout, and the New York Islanders defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 on Saturday night.

Sitting six games above NHL .500, the Isles are in the thick of the Metropolitan Division race and have the look of a playoff team as we head towards the holidays. Perhaps most encouraging is the fact that the Islanders are sitting in a good spot despite playing the toughest schedule in the NHL this season.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders meet Saturday at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, with puck drop set for 3:30 p.m. ET.

Emil Heineman scored in the fourth round of the shootout after New York allowed a tying goal in the closing seconds of regulation, and the Islanders beat the Vegas Golden Knights 5-4.

For years, the debate over the world’s best goalie has revolved around four familiar names. Andrei Vasilevskiy and Sergei Bobrovsky have both won the Stanley Cu