The New York Islanders (10–7–2) visit the Dallas Stars (12–4–3) tonight at American Airlines Center in Dallas, in a meeting between a top-four Metropolitan team against the second-place team in the Central.
New York enters having won four of its last five, including road victories over Utah, Vegas, New Jersey, and the Rangers, before falling 4–1 to Colorado on Sunday. The Islanders are getting heavy lifting from Bo Horvat, who leads the team in goals (12), assists (11), and points (23).
Mathew Barzal and rookie Matthew Schaefer remain essential secondary drivers, and New York’s team defense — 3.16 goals allowed per game — has quietly stabilized compared to earlier in the season. Their penalty kill sits at 81.5%, and they’ve outshot opponents in their most recent wins. Simon Holmström remains a game-time decision due to illness.
Dallas, meanwhile, comes in scorching hot with five straight wins, outscoring opponents 22–6 during the streak. The Stars own one of the best power plays in the NHL (33.3%, second league-wide) and rank top-10 in goals against (2.79).
Mikko Rantanen has been elite with 26 points in 19 games, while Wyatt Johnston leads the team with 11 goals. Their depth is producing, and the goaltending tandem has been sharper: Jake Oettinger carries a .900 save percentage with eight wins, while Casey DeSmith has been strong in relief (.913 SV%, 2.29 GAA).
Team play-driving numbers tilt toward Dallas: they average fewer shots against per game (27.5 vs. NYI’s 29.1), fewer penalty minutes, and nearly triple New York’s power-play goal total (22 to 10). The Stars are also 7–1–1 at home during this stretch and have two shutouts on the year, part of a top tier in the league.
Tonight’s matchup hinges on special teams and discipline. Dallas’s lethal power play against an Islanders PK that’s improving but still under pressure is the biggest swing factor.
New York will need Ilya Sorokin (.898 SV%) or David Rittich (.893 SV%) to be sharp against a Stars offense converting chances at a high rate and rolling across all four lines. If the Stars dictate possession and draw penalties, they’ll force the Islanders into a defensive posture all night. But if New York can slow the game down, win board battles, and protect the slot, their recent road form gives them a chance to grind out another close one.
Prediction
Dallas’ elite power play, recent five-game surge, and steadier goaltending give them the clearest path tonight. The Islanders can stay in it at 5-on-5, but Dallas’s ability to control pace, draw penalties, and finish with multiple scoring threats should tilt a tight matchup their way on home ice.
Projected Final Score: Stars 4, Islanders 2
How to Watch Islanders vs. Stars
Puck drop for tonight’s game between the New York Islanders and Dallas Stars is set for 8:00 PM Eastern / 7:00 PM Central Eastern at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
The game airs live on MSG2 and Victory+ Sports Network.
Out-of-market viewers can stream the game on ESPN+.
You can watch the game free on ESPN+ by starting a trial with DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV, all of which include ESPN+. After signing up, activate your ESPN plan and link it to your MyDisney login. If you already have Hulu + Live TV, you’ll automatically get access through that account. Remember to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t plan to keep the service.
New York Islanders vs. Dallas Stars
Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM Eastern / 7:00 PM Central Eastern
Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
TV: MSG2, Victory+ Sports Network.
Streaming: ESPN+, Gotham Sports