So the Islanders come to game #82. Hey just think: next season, there will be two more games after this.Though the playoffs are now set, and without them involved, we do have some things to watch for: Matthew Schaefer’s pursuit of yet more 18-year-old-defenseman-rookie awesomeness, and the NHL debut of Victor Eklund (wearing #73), who came over to AHL Bridgeport after his Sweden season ended and immediately began asserting himself and putting up points. It looks like Eklund will line up next to Bo Horvat and Emil Heineman, so none of this fourth-line sheltering business, at least not for the no-stakes season finale.Callups Liam Foudy and Isaiah George will also suit up, with Ryan Pulock sitting out to rest multiple injuries.Another storyline is the possibility this is Anders Lee’s last game with the Isles.

He’s sitting on 19 goals. Personally, I’d try to bring him back on a paycut and short-term deal, but it’s possible even that’s not on the table or that his representation has indicated that’s not a welcome offer. Only time will tell.Anders Lee did say, and has said all season, he's not unaware of his contract situation so, of course, that's in the back of his mind.

I asked him whether he expected a quick answer from GM Mathieu Darche: "That's a good question. I don't know."— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) April 14, 2026On behalf of #Isles media, it was my honor to present the Sid Payne Good Guy Award to Anders Lee, named for the late Long Island Press sports reporter who covered the team from its birth in 1972 to his untimely passing in 1976. pic.twitter.com/1920yUe5dY— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) April 14, 2026The Carolina Hurricanes will also be in the building. Normally that’s bad news but hopefully, since they have the conference clinched, they’ll be kind and let us blow the goal horn and hit some milestones ‘n stuff.