Utah Hockey Club at New York Islanders (Game 1)

The New York Islanders host the Utah Hockey Club at UBS Arena, marking the first-ever meeting between these two clubs. The Islanders open the season hoping to pick up a win with the Hockey Club (1-0-0) in their first game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

The inter-conference clash between teams promises to be entertaining as the top-flight hockey club boasts a fast-paced, up-tempo style that will be a challenge for the Isles.

However, the Islanders have their own star-studded top line in speedster Anthony Duclair. The Hockey Club will have to deal with four solid lines from the Isles, making this matchup a much more challenging game than the game against the Blackhawks.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EST. Fans can watch the game on ESPN and ESPN+.

LAST GAME

The New York Islanders picked up a big win over their rival New York Rangers 5-2 in their final preseason game. Bo Horvat led the way with two goals. Mathew Barzal had a great night with five points (1G, 4A), with Anthony Duclair contributing a goal and two assists. Semyon Varlamov got off to a good start and saved 22 shots. The Isles played a solid all-around game, which made it difficult for the Rangers to get anything going.

Meanwhile, the Utah Hockey Club won its opening game with a 5-2 victory over the Blackhawks with two goals from Dylan Guenther and one from captain Clayton Keller. The game was close for most of the third period as the Utah Hockey Club held on to a 3-2 lead. But then the Hockey Club pulled away with an empty goal and another goal in the last minute. The ice hockey club will try to record its first winning streak in team history.

HISTORIC MATCHUP

Thursday evening's game marks the first ever meeting between these two clubs. However, the players on both sides are no strangers. The two teams met last season when the Utah Hockey Club was known as the Arizona Coyotes.

The Islanders and Coyotes met twice during the regular season, with the Isles winning both games. The Isles won a close 1-0 game on October 17, 2023. The Isles won the season series with a convincing 5-1 home win on January 4, 2024.

As a Utah Hockey Club, the team will now look to avenge last season's win while the Islanders will try to keep the streak going.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

The biggest name to keep an eye on on the Isles side is Maxim Tsyplakov. Tsyplakov was a standout player in training camp and proved he belongs in the NHL. Likewise, newcomer Anthony Duclair will look to showcase the talents that earned him a four-year contract with The Island.

Other Islanders to keep an eye on include Bo Horvat, Mathew Barzal and Noah Dobson. The trio will look to increase numbers and play a high-intensity style this season. Isles coach Patrick Roy also stated that Semyon Varlamov is expected to take the starting position in goal.

As for the hockey club, captain Clayton Keller leads a talented young core that includes Guenther, Logan Cooley and Lawson Crouse. Veterans like Mikhail Sergachev will look to balance Utah's lineup and provide leadership and solid play.