Halfway home: Evaluating the Islanders' season so far as playoff picture sharpens

On the eve of Tuesday's matchup against the New Jersey Devils, the New York Islanders reach the halfway point of the 2025-26 NHL season with a 23-15-4 record, good for second place in the Metropolitan Division.

Let’s take a look at the highs (and lows) of the season so far as the Isles march toward their first playoff push since 2023-24.

116-116

Not a basketball score. It’s actually the Islanders’ Goals For and Goals Against at the mid-way point. The team has scored 116 goals (ranked 22nd in the NHL) and allowed 116 goals (seventh best in the NHL).

Spreading the love

No Islanders player ranks in the NHL’s top 60 in points. The closest is Bo Horvat with 21 goals and 33 points, ranked 65th. Still, 21 of the 25 players have scored at least once, and five players have reached double-digit goals.

It’s Schaefer time

Eighteen-year-old rookie phenom Matthew Schaefer continues to deliver a magical season. Last year’s first overall pick ranks third among all NHL rookies in goals (12) and points (28). He’s also drawn 24 penalties, tied for second-most in the NHL.

It’s good to be “Rittich”

Isles starter Ilya Sorokin has dealt with injuries, starting only 24 of 42 games. Enter David Rittich, who’s posted an 11-5-2 record in 18 starts, including two shutouts. Rittich has been a welcome addition, giving coach Patrick Roy a true 1-and-1A tandem in goal.

Rough road ahead

Based on strength-of-schedule metrics, the Islanders face one of the tougher remaining slates in the NHL, ranked fourth overall. They have 18 home games and 22 road games left this season.

Key stretches

Starting Thursday, the Isles embark on a seven-game road trip and will finish the season in April with a four-game home stand. Securing points will be crucial during this stretch.

The NHL will be on a "break" for two weeks in February to allow NHL players to participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Horvat was selected to Team Canada as the lone Isles representative. Just before the break, the Isles will play six games, five of them against Metro Division rivals. 

With 16 games before the Olympic break, the Islanders face a defining stretch that could determine whether they’re contenders or just spectators. Every point counts, and the margin for error in a tight Eastern Conference is razor-thin. Let’s see where this team sits at the break.