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Eyes On Isles
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NY Islanders host Los Angeles Kings at UBS Arena with Semyon Varlamov in goal

ByJiggs Westfall
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Mar 13, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders right wing Simon Holmstrom (92) skates with the puck against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
Mar 13, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders right wing Simon Holmstrom (92) skates with the puck against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The New York Islanders are beginning to find their stride, and they'll look to keep the momentum going Thursday night when they host the Los Angeles Kings at UBS Arena at 7:30 p.m.

Winners of two straight for the first time this season, the Islanders have collected points in four consecutive games (3-0-1), including Tuesday's 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. More importantly, Pete DeBoer's club is establishing an identity built around defensive responsibility, allowing an Eastern Conference-best 2.11 goals per game.

Thursday's biggest storyline, however, will be between the pipes.

Semyon Varlamov will make his first home start since November 25, 2024, completing a lengthy journey back to playing meaningful hockey. The veteran netminder was impressive in his most recent appearance, stopping 19 of 20 shots against Ottawa on October 15.

DeBoer has made it clear Varlamov will remain an important part of the Islanders' plans, both to keep him sharp and ease the workload on Ilya Sorokin.

Meanwhile, Simon Holmström has gone from DeBoer's doghouse to one of the team's hottest offensive weapons. After being dropped to the fourth line earlier this month, Holmström has responded with three goals in two games, earning his way back alongside Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri.

The Kings arrive on Long Island having finally secured their first victory of the season, defeating Washington 5-2 on Tuesday after opening 0-4-2. Artemi Panarin and Adrian Kempe remain dangerous offensive threats, while Quinton Byfield's availability remains uncertain.

For the Islanders, the opportunity is straightforward: keep building confidence, extend their point streak to five games, and continue proving their recent success is more than an early-season hot stretch.

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