3 takeaways from the NY Islanders' 2025-26 schedule

We’re one step closer to the start of the 2025-26 NHL season as each franchise unveiled its schedule today.

The NY Islanders had Cal Clutterbuck pose as a summer intern in a hilarious video, serving as another sign that the Islanders have entered a new era, post-Lou Lamoriello.

This will be the last of an 82-game schedule, as the league will be extending the season to 84 games throughout the new CBA.

Here are three takeaways from the Islanders 2025-26 schedule:

A return to 7:00 pm starts

Once the Islanders moved homes from Nassau Coliseum to UBS Arena, the standard start time has been 7:30 pm, as opposed to the 7:00 pm starts at the Coliseum. Nearly all the weekday games this season will be at 7:00, with the only exception being January 28 when the Isles host the NY Rangers.

This decision will surely make some fans happy while infuriating others. For those working in Manhattan, the 7:30 pm start made it easier to reach Elmont before puck drop. But for those living and working locally, a 7:00 pm start means returning home at an earlier hour.

Early weekend home starts

The Isles will host more matinee games this season, with 14 start times before 7:00 pm, five of which will be at 1:00 pm. The first 1:00 pm start will be the third game of the season, a Columbus Day matinee on Oct. 13, hosting the Winnipeg Jets. 

The Islanders were limited with early start times last season, making it difficult for those with young kids who wanted to attend games. This season, there will be many more opportunities for young fans to attend their first Islanders game.

The Islanders will play on New Years Day

The Isles are set to host the Utah Mammoth at 3:00 pm on New Year's Day. This marks the first time the Isles have played on the first day of the New Year since 2004, losing 1-0 to the Ottawa Senators in Ottawa.

This will be the first time the Isles host a game on New Year's Day since 1977, falling to the Vancouver Canucks 5-1.

The Winter Classic between the Rangers and Florida Panthers will be played the following day.