Islanders Host Canucks in Critical Playoff Battle Tonight

ELMONT, N.Y. – The New York Islanders and the Vancouver Canucks meet tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET at UBS Arena, concluding a pivotal four-game homestand for the Islanders. Both teams are fighting for playoff positions, as each stands on the outside looking in for a wild card berth.

The Islanders (32-28-10) are coming off a 4-3 shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, where they nearly snagged two points. Kyle Palmieri‘s potential game-winning goal in the final seconds was disallowed, leaving the team with a record of 1-0-2 in their previous three games. Despite the setback, the Islanders have managed to extend their point streak to six games (3-0-3), capitalizing on a seven-game home point streak (4-0-3).

“The last couple days were obviously not fun, but I’m feeling healthy and ready to be back,” said Hudson Fasching, who is returning to the lineup after missing Monday’s game due to illness. He is expected to resume play alongside Casey Cizikas and Pierre Engvall.

The Canucks (33-26-12) enter on a more positive note following their own 4-3 shootout victory against the New Jersey Devils. Jonathan Lekkerimaki scored both in regulation and during the shootout, securing the win for Vancouver and adding to their fight for a playoff spot.

Tonight’s matchup is particularly important for both squads. The Isles sit one point behind the Montreal Canadiens, who currently hold the second wild card position. “We’re still in it. There’s a lot of hockey left to play,” said Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson, who is just one point away from tying for fifth all-time among blueliners in franchise history.

The Islanders previously defeated the Canucks in a 5-2 victory on November 14, which could provide some confidence as they look for a repeat performance. However, Vancouver has shown resilience lately, with Thatcher Demko making 22 saves in his recent return from injury.

“We need to build on our last game,” Demko stated. “The key is finding a way to play consistently.”

Statistics reveal both teams have offensive struggles; the Islanders average 2.73 goals per game compared to Vancouver’s slightly better 2.79. However, while the Canucks have been slightly more adept at scoring, they allow 3.04 goals per game compared to the Islanders’ 2.96.

Key players to watch include Islanders team leader Anders Lee, who has recorded 26 goals this season, and Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, who leads his team in scoring with 67 points—including recently achieving his 400th career point.

With the stakes high as the playoffs approach, this matchup will play a crucial role in determining each team’s postseason fate. Fans can catch the game live at UBS Arena or tune in via MSGSN and ESPN+.