Game Preview: New York Islanders look to extend winning streak as they take on Winnipeg Jets

The New York Islanders will be looking to win two in a row and seven of their last eight as they take on the Winnipeg Jets at the Canada Life Center. The Islanders have had a resurgent 2025, bolting up the Metro Division standings. The Isles are now four points out of a playoff spot and closing in.

Fans can catch the game on MSG+ and ESPN+ with puck drop set for 9 pm EST.

LAST GAME

The New York Islanders won their last outing against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Isles came back to win on a third-period tally by Brock Nelson after the Golden Knights had tied the game minutes before. The win was a hard-fought one and the second time this season the Islanders defeated the Golden Knights.

Meanwhile, the Jets cruised to a 3-0 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in their last game. Backup goaltender Eric Comrie made 29 saves for the Jets. Winnipeg got its 338th win of the season to open up a 10-point lead in the Central Division.

HISTORICAL MATCHUP

Friday night’s tilt marks the first time the New York Islanders and Winnipeg Jets meet this season. The Isles have won eight of their last ten games against the Jets. Last season, the two teams split the season series. The Islanders lost the first meeting 4-2 on January 16, 2024 at UBS Arena. Then, the Isles rebounded for a 6-3 road win on March 23.  

The Islanders have outscored the Jets 34-19 over their last 10 matchups, including a 4-0 shutout on February 26, 2023.

However, the Jets have been dominant this season. So, it’s fair to assume the Islanders will be in for a tough contest this time around.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

For the New York Islanders, Bo Horvat has been the player to watch over the last few games. Horvat has notched six goals and four assists over his last 10 games. In particular, Horvat has picked up the torch for the Islanders in Mathew Barzal’s absence.

The player to watch for the Jets will be Connor Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck is in the midst of a Vezina Trophy season. In his last 10, He has a 9-1-0 mark with a 1.90 GAA and a .923 SV%. However, He surrendered four goals in his last outing against the Washington Capitals. So, there’s a chance the Islanders could catch Hellebuyck during a rare downturn this season.