Brief

Islanders dominate Devils 6‑0 in home‑opener as Victor Eklund scores first goal

A sell‑out crowd watched the Islanders post a commanding victory, featuring a Gordie Howe‑style effort from rookie Victor Eklund.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 06 Oct 2026 20:12:17 GMT

On Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, the New York Islanders opened their home schedule with a 6‑0 triumph over the New Jersey Devils at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y., according to the New York Post.

What happened

The Islanders struck early and never looked back. Rookie Victor Eklund scored his first NHL goal at 11:32 of the third period, completing a near‑Gordie Howe hat‑trick that also included a fight and an assist earlier in the game. The goal made the score 4‑0, and shortly after, veteran Ondrej Palat added the fifth tally. A shorthanded goal by Nick Cizikas in the final minutes sealed the 6‑0 final.

What the report adds

The Post highlighted several line combinations that clicked after coach Pete DeBoer’s adjustments on Wednesday. Simon Holmstrom, JG Pageau and Anthony Duclair were praised for fitting “like a glove,” while Emil Heineman complemented Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri on the top line. The article noted that the Devils’ goaltender Nico Daws appeared “shaky” throughout the contest.

What was said

The outlet quoted the crowd’s reaction to rookie Matthew Schaefer, who “drew the biggest cheer of introductions” and set up two second‑period goals. It also recorded Bo Horvat’s milestone: his 100th goal and 200th point with the Islanders, which also marked the team’s first power‑play goal of the season.

How it came about

Earlier in the preseason, the Islanders were described as “still on its way to the launchpad.” The decisive line changes made by DeBoer after Wednesday’s practice appear to have unlocked the team’s offensive flow, turning a tentative start into a dominant performance in front of a sell‑out crowd.

Key facts

Islanders beat Devils 6‑0 at UBS Arena on Oct. 3, 2026. (nypost.com)
Victor Eklund scored his first NHL goal and added a fight and an assist. (nypost.com)
Bo Horvat recorded his 100th Islanders goal and 200th point. (nypost.com)
Nick Cizikas scored a shorthanded goal in the final minutes. (nypost.com)
Coach Pete DeBoer adjusted the line after Wednesday’s practice. (nypost.com)