As the NHL prepares for a break for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina (opening ceremony on February 6), the New York Islanders enter a crucial final week of play. Currently sits 3rd in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 30-20-5every point counts before the competition is halted until the end of February. Here are the main storylines and upcoming schedule for the week of February 1-8, 2026.
The last sprint before the Olympic break
The most direct storyline is the schedule itself. The NHL season will officially pause after games on Thursday, February 5 due to the Olympic break. The Islanders have a compact ‘three games in four nights’ gauntlet to finish this part of the season. How they perform in this final sprint will determine their momentum during the three-week break.
This week features massive intra-division matchups.
vs. Pittsburgh Penguins: The Islanders (3rd in Metro) are in a dogfight with the Penguins (2nd in Metro) and the Hurricanes (1st). Tuesday’s game against Pittsburgh is a possible preview of the play-offs and crucial for the seeding.
vs. Washington state capitals: Monday’s game against the Capitals is just as important as Washington continues to chase the wild cards and try to get back into the top three.
“Buyers” at the deadline
As the trade deadline approaches (March 6), shortly after the Olympic break, rumors are swirling that general manager (GM) Mathieu Darche is looking for support for the top six. With injuries to key players like Kyle Palmieri and Alexander Romanov earlier this season, the team’s performance this week could cement their status as aggressive buyers looking for wingers or defensive depth for a playoff run. The team added Ondrej Palat of the New Jersey Devils and Carson Soucy of the New York Rangers last week.
Injury updates
Bo Horvat has returned to the lineup after a nine-game absence, but says he is still “shaking off the rust.” Despite missing several games this season, he is still on track breaking his goalscoring average.
Forward Calum Ritchie (lower body injury) will not return before the Olympic break, according to head coach Patrick Roy.
Islanders Schedule 1 – February 8
| Date | They will resist | Time (ET) | Location | Broadcast | Comments |
| Mon February 2 | @ Washington Capitals | 7:00 PM | Capital One Arena | MSGSN, MNMT | vital Metro Div. matchup |
| Yours, February 3 | vs. Pittsburgh Penguins | 7:30 PM | UBS Arena | TNT, MAX | National television; Rivalry Night |
| Thu February 5 | @ New Jersey Devils | 7:00 PM | Prudential Center | MSGSN2 | Last match before the Olympic break |
| Fri Feb 6 | NO GAME | — | — | — | Olympic break begins |
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