See the New York Islanders arrive in style for their home opener against the Washington Capitals on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. Photos by Dennis DaSilva/New York Islanders

There's no way for the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals to recreate the unique set of circumstances that surrounded their two clashes at UBS Arena in April.

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

Most encouraging within that was Barzal, historically one of the hardest players in the NHL for linemates to build chemistry with due to the unique way he dominates the puck, looking completely on the same page with his teammates. If the move back to center is going to be more than a temporary measure, that is an absolute must.

Facial hair is making a comeback for the New York Islanders after Lou Lamoriello's departure. The former executive had a strict clean-shaven policy, similar to late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.

Islanders forward Jonathan Drouin has been suspended for cross-checking Penguins forward Connor Dewar in the season opener.

For all the change that came this offseason, the Islanders were left ruing the same what-ifs that sunk them a year ago.

Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals (0-1-0) hit the road for the first time on Saturday night when they visit the New York Islanders (0-1-0)

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.