Key moments
On March 17, 2026, the New York Islanders will face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena, with the game set to start at 7 p.m. ET. This matchup is particularly notable as it marks the first NHL game in Toronto for rookie Matthew Schaefer, who has been making waves in the league.
The Islanders come into this game with a solid record of 38 wins, 24 losses, and 5 overtime losses, having recently secured a victory against the Calgary Flames with a score of 3-2. In contrast, the Maple Leafs have struggled this season, holding a record of 29 wins, 27 losses, and 12 overtime losses, but they are coming off a win against the Minnesota Wild, where they triumphed 4-2.
In recent matchups, the Islanders have shown dominance over the Maple Leafs, winning seven of their last ten encounters since the start of the 2022/2023 NHL season. This trend places the Islanders as -145 road favorites for this game, reflecting their strong performance in the league.
Matthew Schaefer has been a standout player, picking up points in four of his last five games, and his return to Toronto has him excited. “It is awesome. I’m coming home to the roots a little bit,” Schaefer remarked, highlighting the significance of this game for him personally.
Coaches and players have also weighed in on Schaefer’s impact. Patrick Roy stated, “Just be himself. That is what he has been doing since he has been with us,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure in high-pressure situations. Meanwhile, John Tavares praised Schaefer’s remarkable achievements, noting, “It’s pretty remarkable. He is doing things only a handful of players have done.”
However, the Maple Leafs will be without star player Auston Matthews, who is sidelined due to an MCL injury. Additionally, Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s status for the game is uncertain due to personal reasons. Details remain unconfirmed.
The total for the game is pegged at 6.0 goals, indicating expectations for a competitive matchup. With both teams looking to solidify their standings, this game promises to be an exciting chapter in the ongoing rivalry between the Islanders and the Maple Leafs.
