Oct 23, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) wrestles with Detroit Red Wings center Mason Appleton (22) during the third period at UBS Arena.

Photo credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

The Detroit Red Wings will face a big challenge tonight as the red-hot New York Islanders will be in town.

One of the toughest challenges related to matchups through an 82-game regular season is facing hot teams.

Not a lot of people could’ve predicted it, but the New York Islanders are one of those teams this season.

Patrick Roy and his team won seven of their last 10 games, including tough matchups against teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, and Utah Mammoth, showing encouraging results for a retooling team:

“It’s a solid road trip and it was a solid road game (Tuesday). I’m very impressed with the way we’re playing. Our guys are playing solid hockey right now. Very good decisions with the puck. It was a hard-fought game. We played well enough to win.” – Patrick Roy

A Tough Challenge Tonight For The Red Wings Against The Red Wings

It could be the “biggest game of the year” on most nights for many teams.

Here’s what Todd McLellan had to say on that matter:

“You look at the standings, and if you’re on top of the mountain, you’re really not on top of the mountain. You’re in the middle of the forest. It’s so tight. It’s taxing. It’s emotional.”

For a team like the Islanders, they don’t have much to lose, after already exceeding expectations, and don’t have as much pressure as a team like the Wings, who must keep pushing every day to avoid falling in the standings.

Previously on Red Wings Insider

POLL

50 MINUTES AGO   |   6 ANSWERS

Red Wings facing what may be their biggest test of the season Thursday vs. Islanders

Do you think the New York Islanders will make the playoffs this year?