As the NHL prepares to pause for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina (opening ceremony on Feb. 6), the New York Islanders are entering a critical final week of play. Currently sitting 3rd in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 30-20-5, every point matters before the league shuts down until late February. Here are the key storylines and upcoming schedule for the week of Feb. 1-8, 2026.
The Final Sprint Before the Olympic Break
The most immediate storyline is the schedule itself. The NHL season will officially pause after games on Thursday, Feb. 5 for the Olympic break. The Islanders have a condensed “three games in four nights” gauntlet to finish this segment of the season. How they perform in this final sprint will determine their momentum during the three-week hiatus.
This week is defined by 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 potential playoff preview and crucial for seeding.
vs. Washington Capitals: Monday’s game against the Capitals is equally vital as Washington remains in the wild card hunt, trying to claw back into the top three.
“Buyers” at the Deadline
With the trade deadline approaching (March 6) shortly after the Olympic break, rumors are swirling that general manager (GM) Mathieu Darche is looking to add top-six support. With injuries to key players like Kyle Palmieri and Alexander Romanov earlier in the season, the team’s performance this week could solidify their status as aggressive buyers looking for wingers or defensive depth for a playoff run. The team added Ondrej Palat from the New Jersey Devils and Carson Soucy from 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 multiple games missed throughout the season, he is still on track to break his goal scoring average.
Forward Calum Ritchie (lower-body injury) will not return before the Olympic break, according to head coach Patrick Roy.
Islanders Schedule Feb. 1 – 8
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | Venue | Broadcast | Notes |
| Mon, Feb. 2 | @ Washington Capitals | 7:00 PM | Capital One Arena | MSGSN, MNMT | vital Metro Div. matchup |
| Tue, Feb. 3 | vs. Pittsburgh Penguins | 7:30 PM | UBS Arena | TNT, MAX | National TV; Rivalry Night |
| Thu, Feb. 5 | @ New Jersey Devils | 7:00 PM | Prudential Center | MSGSN2 | Last game before Olympic Break |
| Fri, Feb. 6 | NO GAME | — | — | — | Olympic Break Begins |
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