All The Buzz

Expectations have changed

Good Morning, Islanders Country.

There’s a buzz around the Islanders right now, and it’s carrying well beyond Long Island. This isn’t just local excitement or a brief hot streak. The Islanders are drawing national attention — in part because of Matthew Schaefer, the NHL’s No. 1 star of the week — but also because of the broader story unfolding around them.

Schaefer is the headline, no doubt. An 18-year-old defenseman doing historic things will do that. But the season itself has become something worth watching.

The Islanders were supposed to be “in the mix” for a playoff spot. Competitive, sure — but not necessarily driving the conversation. Around this point on the calendar, the expectation was that they might be exploring options on veterans like JG Pageau or Anders Lee, stacking assets, managing cap space, and keeping one eye on the future.

That hasn’t been the case.

Instead, fans are using words like “special” and “magical” to describe what they’re experiencing. The team has become one you actively want to watch — one that’s easy to identify with and rally behind. The 12 straight sellouts at UBS Arena, tying the longest streak since the 19-game run that opened the building, speak to that connection.