NY Islanders try to rebound at home against the Dallas Stars and steady playoff push

The New York Islanders return to UBS Arena on Thursday night looking to steady their playoff push against a high-powered Dallas Stars team, with urgency growing by the game.

New York enters the matchup after a 4-3 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, their third defeat in the last four games. Despite goals from Anders Lee, Simon Holmstrom and Cal Ritchie, the Islanders couldn’t overcome early mistakes and now find themselves on the outside of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Tied with Ottawa at 85 points, the Islanders trail for the final wild-card spot due to games in hand.

Thursday presents little margin for error.

Ilya Sorokin is expected to get the start after a solid relief effort on Tuesday, while lineup questions remain on the blue line. Ryan Pulock is a game-time decision, and Tony DeAngelo is likely out, prompting the recall of Isaiah George, who could factor into the defensive rotation.

Up front, Lee continues to lead by example, entering the night on a three-game point streak and climbing the franchise record books. Meanwhile, rookie Matthew Schaefer remains a driving force, coming off a record-setting 31:59 of ice time — the most ever recorded by a teenager in NHL history — while continuing his standout season.

The challenge, however, is significant. Dallas arrives despite a three-game skid as one of the NHL’s elite teams, powered by scorers Wyatt Johnston and Jason Robertson, both among the league’s top offensive threats.

The Islanders took the first meeting between the teams earlier this season, but Thursday’s rematch carries far greater stakes. With the standings tightening and games dwindling, New York needs a response — not just in effort, but in execution — to keep its playoff hopes alive.