Detroit Red Wings vs New York Islanders Head-to-Head

Islanders built their historical edge pre-2005, winning 40 of 85 decided meetings (47%) (plus 6 ties). In the shootout era they are 24-18 against each other (57% Islanders). 6 historical ties live in the all-time ledger, all predating the 2005 shootout rule. Games average a 2.5-goal margin, with the largest blowout coming via Islanders' 7-goal win. The 1970s produced the deepest sample with 32 recorded meetings, more than any other decade in the series. Their first recorded meeting fell in 1972, so the rivalry has spanned 53 seasons of NHL history. Most recent result: Wings won 3-2 on Dec 16, 2025. Through the 2020s Wings have led 9-8 between the teams.