NY Islanders to Open 2025-26 Season in Pittsburgh, Host Capitals for UBS Opener

The New York Islanders will kick off the 2025-26 NHL season on October 9 with a road matchup against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. The question is whether No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer will be in the lineup to play against the 2005 No. 1 pick and all-time great in "Sid the Kid."

Just two nights later, the Islanders will return to Long Island for their home opener on October 11, welcoming the Washington Capitals to UBS Arena. Washington, the defending Metro Division champions, played the Islanders in a pair of memorable matchups down the stretch last season, including Alexander Ovechkin breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal-scoring record on Apr. 6 and Matt Martin's final home game at UBS Arena a few weeks later.

Now, as the 2025-26 season begins, the Islanders aim to build this summer's momentum with a revamped roster, renewed energy under GM Mathieu Darche, and a fan base eager for a deeper postseason push. It also signals the first start of a season without a "Brocktober" since 2012-13 as Brock Nelson resigned with Colorado this summer. Also, Casey Cizikas is now the last remaining member of the "The Identity Line" with Martin in the Islanders front office and Cal Clutterbuck working as a studio host and analyst for MSG Networks.

The start of the season will also mark the debuts of Jonathan Drouin and Patrick Roy's new coaching staff. Also, for radio listeners, these will be the first regular season games were the new simulcast set up will be used after the organization parted ways with Chris King and Greg Picker months back.

But overall, with the schedule starting against two Eastern Conference rivals, the opening week promises to deliver intensity, storylines, and no shortage of drama from the outset.