Matt Martin, Casey Cizikas, and Cal Clutterbuck led the way for the better part of 10 years. This season is the first time in quite a while that those three didn't take the ice together.

New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal, center, is congratulated by defensemen Scott Mayfield (24) and Isaiah George (36) during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the San Jose Sharks, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Corey ...

New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal, center, is congratulated by defensemen Scott Mayfield (24) and Isaiah George (36) during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the San Jose ...

Sorokin's 29 saves led the Islanders to a 3-1 victory over the Flyers. The New York Islanders picked up a key 3-1 Metropolitan Division victory over the Philadelphia Flyers Friday night. Brock Nelson had a goal and an assist and Bo Horvat had the game-winning goal while Ilya Sorokin stopped 29 of 30 shots for his 15th win of the season.

When Patrick Roy came to Long Island, a year ago Monday to the day, it felt like general manager Lou Lamoriello had pulled a rabbit out of the hat that could help resurrect a stagnant franchise.

The New York Islanders (18-20-7) play host to the Columbus Blue Jackets (22-17-7) on Monday night on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in UBS Arena. The holiday game features the Islanders coming off a strong 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night.

The stakes of Friday’s game are high, as the Islanders (45 points), look to close the gap with the Flyers (50 points) who are ahead of them in the standings, though the Isles have three games in-hand. The two Metro rivals will meet again in Philly on Jan. 30, and again on April 12 to close out the season series.