Snapshots from the New York Islanders morning skate ahead of their home opener against the Washington Capitals on Oct. 11, 2025. Photos by Sam Johnston/New York Islanders.

A New York Islanders forward was suspended and fined by the NHL for cross-checking a Pittsburgh Penguins player on Thursday night.

The Islanders open their new era under executive vice president/general manager Mathieu Darche, who took over after Lou Lamoriello ran the club for seven seasons, on Thursday night against the Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.

The old-and-slow line, though? If Thursday was any indication, you can trash it. And that is a long overdue development.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (1-0-0) come off a road victory to host the New York Islanders in their home opener at PPG Paints Arena on Thursday night.

PITTSBURGH -- Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby combined for five points, and Justin Brazeau broke a tie late in the third period, helping the Pittsburgh Penguins spoil Matthew Schaefer ’s NHL debut with a 4-3 win against the New York Islanders at PPG Paints Arena on Thursday.

Images from the New York Islanders’ annual charity golf outing last month on social media went viral because something was very different about some of the familiar faces fans have seen for years. Many had beards on them.