DominikSun, November 30, 2025 at 11:15 AM UTC·2 min readThe Islanders close November on Sunday afternoon by starting a new chapter in their 2025-26 story: life without Kyle Palmieri. The winger’s ACL surgery (following a heroic exit) is the latest season-ending injury for a roster that has proven better than many thought — thank you, Matthew Schaefer! — but still tested in the depth department.
The 1 p.m. faceoff today offer the latest chance to get this homestand back on track. They followed the 6-1 road trip with 1-2-1 start to this homestand, and after the Capitals visit this afternoon, the red-hot Lightning and juggernaut Avalanche follow. So this homestand could get messy in a hurry, though admittedly we said the same thing when they headed out west and returned with 12 additional points.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn the ever-tight Eastern standings, the Islanders are no longer in a playoff or wild card position, though that could change today as the Capitals (Wild Card 1) are one point ahead of them and the Penguins are level on points.
First Islanders Goal picks for today go here.
Islanders NewsSo yes, the news was as bad as it looked: Kyle Palmieri tore his ACL, requires surgery, will be out 6-8 months, and will have to recover and restore his mobility to top-league-in-the-world level at age 35 (February birthday). [LHH | Isles]
Newsday Insider: on Palmieri and where the Isles go from here.
Also from Andrew Gross, on the Isles’ turnaround (asterisk needed!) and Patrick Roy’s communication skills. [Newsday]
Mat Barzal and Max Shabanov had maintenance days yesterday. We need all the health and speed those guys can muster. [Isles]
Mathieu Darche’s media availability didn’t offer a whole lot new, though he did say Schaefer is so, SO not available for the WJC. Olympics? Sure, we’d allow that. [Isles | Newsday]
The Capitals of course have Anthony Beauvillier, who wears the #71 taken from him by #LousRules in the name of culture. He’s been connecting with Alex Ovechkin, most recently to do Bossy’s work in beating the Leafs.
Saturday’s scores featured 11 games, including the Leafs destroying the waddling Penguins and old friend Brock Nelson notching four points as the Nordique-clad Avalanche won in Montreal.
An interesting look at the effect of the butterfly motion on goalie health, with poster child Matt Murray. [NHL]
Sartorial news: The Stars unveil a quasi-1999 retro with a trolling cameo by Brett Hull. [NHL]
Update your fantasies: Logan Cooley exits game with a knee injury. [TSN]
Update your fantasies: Ducks goalie hero Lukas Dostal will miss two to three weeks. [TSN]
Adam Fox — who was injured yesterday — talks about ALS and his father-in-law. [NHL]
“With iconic photos” Mark Messier will showcase the — aww, hell, who gives a shit? Seriously. [NHL]