The New York Islanders opened their home schedule in the 2026-27 season with a 6-0 rout of the New Jersey Devils. After a scoreless first period, the home team took control of the game in the middle frame, converting three times before adding three more in the third to seal a dominant victory. For Peter DeBoer, it was an ideal start to his first regular-season game as Islanders head coach at UBS Arena.
Islanders take over in the second period
The opening period produced no goals, with neither side finding a way to crack the opposing defence. New Jersey started Nico Daws in goal, while the Islanders were patient and carried a clean sheet into the first intermission.
New York began to dictate the pace in the second period. Simon Holmström opened the scoring three minutes in, with Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Alexander Pelech picking up the assists. Brayden Schenn extended the lead shortly after, set up by Victor Eklund and Matthew Schaefer. Bo Horvat made it 3-0 at the twelve-minute mark of the frame, with Matthew Schaefer registering another assist. The Islanders took the period 3-0.
New York remains dominant in the third
The Devils had no answer for the Islanders' structured play after the intermission either. Victor Eklund pushed the advantage further eleven minutes into the third period, with Casey Ritchie and Brayden Schenn credited with the assists.
Shortly after, Ondrej Palat found the back of the net off a feed from Casey Cizikas and Logan Stanley. Casey Cizikas then provided the decisive moment at the 18-minute mark to round out the scoring. The Islanders won the third period 3-0 as well, keeping New Jersey at arm's length throughout the final frame.
DeBoer's home opener ends with a shutout
The victory gave the Islanders their first win of the season after an opening road loss in Toronto, while the Devils were shut out for the first time in the young campaign. New Jersey had arrived having defeated Philadelphia, but could not replicate that offensive output this time around. Jack Hughes had scored the decisive overtime goal on opening night for the Devils.
Peter DeBoer, appointed Islanders head coach in April, celebrated a commanding debut in front of the home crowd. Matthew Schaefer — named alternate captain for home games this season and winner of the 2026 Calder Memorial Trophy — contributed two assists to the convincing win. After a goalless opening period, the Islanders settled matters primarily through their efficiency in the second period and their defensive stability the rest of the way.
