The New York Islanders have never needed fireworks to make noise. They have preferred substance over sizzle, structure over chaos and patience over panic.

A playoff-like series against the Tampa Bay Lightning became a showcase for one of the NHL’s most overlooked stars.

The Islanders are on pace for 102 points and sit second in the East. The standings can shift quickly, though, and prudence may be wise.

The Islanders are set to welcome back forward Jonathan Drouin to the lineup after he's missed the last five games.

Emil Heineman and Mathew Barzal scored in the shootout, and the New York Islanders defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 on Saturday night. Matthew Schaefer and Cal Ritchie scored in the first period for New York,

Islanders forward Bo Horvat, who leads the team with 19 goals this season, left at 6:52 of the second period with a lower-body injury. His right skate got tangled up with the right skate of Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson, which caused his left knee to bend awkwardly.

New York Islanders (19-11-3, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Detroit Red Wings (18-12-3, in the Atlantic Division) Detroit; Tuesday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Detroit Red Wings host the New York Islanders after Alex DeBrincat's two-goal game against the Chicago Blackhawks in the Red Wings' 4-0 win.

Sitting six games above NHL .500, the Isles are in the thick of the Metropolitan Division race and have the look of a playoff team as we head towards the holidays. Perhaps most encouraging is the fact that the Islanders are sitting in a good spot despite playing the toughest schedule in the NHL this season.

The New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders and New York Rangers were all home Saturday and all played at different times. The Vancouver Canucks even practiced in New Jersey while the Devils were playing the Anaheim Ducks.

Matthew Schaefer keeps proving why he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The New York Islanders ' rookie scored again on Saturday, and he keeps climbing up the hockey record boards. His goal Saturday was his ninth of the season. That already ranks fourth all-time among 18-year old defenseman.

The Lightning will be very glad they don’t have to face Ilya Sorokin again this season. Just a week after Sorokin shut them out at Tampa Bay, the Islanders’ star netminder carried his team to a third win over the Lightning in as many tries on Saturday.