IMPACT: Islanders Schedule SHAPES Playoff Race—Anders Lee Faces His Old Team, Gavin McKenna Debuts

The New York Islanders prepare for a pivotal 2026-27 NHL season as the league expands to an 84-game schedule. Anders Lee faces his former team, the Isles, in an emotional homecoming, while fresh faces like Matias Maccelli aim to offset key departures. With fewer back-to-backs and strategically-placed home games down the stretch, could the schedule fuel a stronger playoff push? Gil Martin breaks down the Islanders’ season roadmap, critiques The Athletic’s team improvement rankings, and spotlights top goalie prospect Dmitri Gamson’s KHL dominance. Key topics include the impact of losing Anders Lee, the importance of transitional roster moves, matchups against division rivals like the New York Rangers, and Bryan Trottier’s legacy as the Islanders’ all-time two-way forward. Is this the season the Islanders turn potential into postseason success? All this and more on today's Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin. Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everyday... Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOIslanders?si... Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL And follow the show and Gil Martin on Twitter where he'll share the latest news on your New York Islanders and will talk with fans like you. On Twitter:   / lockedonisles   and   / icewarsnyrvsnyi   #Islanders #NYIslanders #NHL