How A New Identity Is Pushing The Islanders Up The Standings
The New York Islanders have found a new identity built on belief, depth scoring, improved structure, and revived special teams.
SALT LAKE CITY — The New York Islanders don’t play perfect hockey — no team does. But the belief inside that locker room that they can overcome whatever comes their way has defined the first month-plus of the season.
It’s a mindset that felt absent in 2024-25, when the Islanders let too many points slip through their fingers. When things got tough, they struggled to rise to the occasion. Even early this season, that was the case: an 0-3-0 start that rarely looked competitive.
But things changed quickly, as they are 10-3-2 since then.