The Minnesota Wild close their two-game road trip with a visit to the Empire State, facing the New York Islanders on Friday at 7 p.m. Both teams have struggled this season — the Wild hold a 5–10 record while the Islanders stand at 6–7.
Overtime results have slightly improved both teams’ standings. Minnesota has suffered three overtime losses, and New York has two, keeping their records close. Despite their underwhelming numbers, the Wild have shown improvement lately, especially on the offensive side.
Minnesota bounced back from a five-game losing skid with consecutive victories over the Vancouver Canucks and the Nashville Predators, before dropping a tight 3–2 decision to the Carolina Hurricanes. That narrow loss against a strong opponent reflects their growing consistency heading into the second half of back-to-back games.
The Islanders have been inconsistent throughout the season. They began with three losses, followed by four consecutive wins, then endured another losing stretch. Their pattern of alternating short winning and losing runs highlights the team's lack of stability.
Friday’s matchup presents an opportunity for New York to end their latest slump in front of their home crowd.
The Minnesota Wild aim to extend improving form while the New York Islanders seek stability in a home game that could reshape both teams’ early-season momentum.