Wild to Host Islanders on Thursday Night
The Minnesota Wild face the New York Islanders in Saint Paul during a mid-week NHL matchup.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Hockey
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The Minnesota Wild are set to host the New York Islanders on Thursday at 8 p.m. EDT in Saint Paul. Minnesota enters the matchup riding a three-game winning streak.
Why it matters
The game presents a test for both teams as Minnesota looks to maintain its perfect home record while the Islanders aim to improve their performance on the road.
The Minnesota Wild hold a 9-3-2 overall record and a 4-0-0 home record, while the New York Islanders sit at 6-4-2 overall with a 1-3-1 road record. The Islanders have scored 35 goals this season while allowing 31 goals.
The players
Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild are a professional ice hockey team based in Saint Paul that competes in the NHL.
New York Islanders
The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in New York that competes in the NHL.
The details
The Wild bring a 7-2-1 record from their last ten games into this contest against an Islanders squad that holds a 5-3-2 record over the same period. New York enters the game averaging 2.8 goals per game over their last ten appearances.
Timeline
Thursday at 8 p.m. EDT is when the Minnesota Wild play the New York Islanders.
Season Trajectory
This game serves as a critical opportunity for the Wild to bolster their standing in the league by maintaining their undefeated status at home. For the Islanders, a road victory would significantly shift their momentum after struggling to secure points outside of their own arena.
The Minnesota Wild will look to extend their three-game winning streak to maintain their position atop the standings. Fantasy managers should track whether the Islanders can improve their 2.8 goals per game average against Minnesota's undefeated home defense.
The takeaway
Minnesota will lean on its home-ice advantage to continue its current hot streak against the visiting Islanders. Fans should watch for how New York adjusts its defensive strategy after allowing 31 goals this season.
Further reading
Find more updates and analysis on the Hockey section.
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Do you believe your local professional teams have a significant home-field advantage?
