Islanders Storm Into Minnesota Looking to Extend Early Season Momentum

The Islanders roll into Xcel Energy Center on Thursday night riding whatever wave they've caught in this young 2026-27 campaign, while the Wild try to find their footing on home ice. Early season NHL is always a crapshoot—teams are still figuring out line combinations, goaltending rotations, and which defensemen remember how to play defense—but this matchup has sneaky potential.

Minnesota's home-ice advantage typically means something in St. Paul, where the crowd gets loud and visiting teams can get rattled. But the Islanders have built their identity on road grit under their system, clogging neutral zones and frustrating opponents into low-scoring slogs. If the Wild's offense hasn't found its rhythm yet, this could turn into a defensive chess match that favors the visitors.

The key will be special teams and goaltending—it always is in October when five-on-five play is still messy. Whichever netminder is sharper and whichever power play capitalizes first likely decides this one. The Islanders have the structure to steal points in hostile buildings; the Wild need to prove they can protect home ice against a disciplined opponent.

DarkHorse hasn't weighed in with a pick yet, so sharps are still circling. But if you're looking for value, don't sleep on New York's ability to grind out ugly road wins. Minnesota needs to show us something first.