The National Hockey League unveiled the first set of home openers for the upcoming 2026‑27 season, revealing that the New York Islanders will open their schedule at home against the New Jersey Devils on October 3, 2026, with puck drop set for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
A Potential Season‑Opening Matchup
While the league has not yet published the full slate of games, the Islanders are not listed as opponents for any other club, which suggests that the Devils game could double as the team’s official season opener. The announcement came as part of a broader rollout that will see the league release the complete 84‑game schedule on Thursday at 1 p.m. ET.
The Islanders’ previous campaign began on the road, where they faced the Pittsburgh Penguins in their season debut. That early‑season test gave the club a glimpse of the competition they will encounter throughout the year.
Alongside the home‑opener news, the league confirmed that the 2026‑27 season will consist of 84 games, a slight increase from previous formats. Fans can expect a packed schedule as the NHL expands its global footprint.
What’s Next for Fans
Hockey enthusiasts are advised to mark their calendars for the Thursday release, when the full schedule will be made available. The detailed matchups, broadcast times and arena information will be posted on the official NHL site and the respective team pages, including the Islanders’ page at nyislanders.nhl.com.
The upcoming season promises fresh storylines, rivalries and opportunities for teams to showcase their talent on the ice. As the league gears up for another year of high‑octane play, the Islanders’ home opener against the Devils stands out as a marquee event to kick off what should be an exciting campaign.