IMPACT: Islanders Schedule SHAPES Playoff Race—Anders Lee Faces His Old Team, Gavin McKenna Debuts

The New York Islanders prepare for a pivotal 2026-27 NHL season as the league expands to an 84-game schedule. Anders Lee faces his former team, the Utah Mammoth, in an emotional homecoming, while fresh faces like Matias Maccelli aim to offset key departures. With fewer back-to-backs and strategically-placed home games down the stretch, could the schedule fuel a stronger playoff push?

Gil Martin breaks down the Islanders’ season roadmap, critiques The Athletic’s team improvement rankings, and spotlights top goalie prospect Dmitri Gamson’s KHL dominance. Key topics include the impact of losing Anders Lee, the importance of transitional roster moves, matchups against division rivals like the New York Rangers, and Bryan Trottier’s legacy as the Islanders’ all-time two-way forward. Is this the season the Islanders turn potential into postseason success?

All this and more on today's Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.

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