The New York Islanders officially open the 2026-27 NHL season against the New York Rangers. Islanders gameday coverage frames the matchup as the first meeting with the Smurfs. The label revives a 1990s locker room story that still shapes how the Battle of New York is narrated.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why do the Islanders call the Rangers Smurfs?
- A: Islanders gameday coverage frames the opener as the first meeting with the Smurfs, reviving a 1990s locker room story that became part of the Battle of New York rivalry narrative.
- Q: When do the Islanders play the Rangers to open the 2026-27 season?
- A: The New York Islanders officially open the 2026-27 NHL season against the New York Rangers in their first meeting.
- Q: Where did the Smurfs nickname for the Rangers originate?
- A: The Smurfs nickname traces back to a 1990s locker room conflict and has since shaped how the New York hockey derby is narrated.