Islanders’ Playoff Hopes in a Tight Race
TORONTO — The Islanders have been out of playoff contention for over three months now, and it’s clear they’re not taking anything for granted.
This year’s team appears to have more talent compared to the last two seasons, which both ended shortly after the first round. Yet, just like those seasons, this team might face a similar struggle to secure its playoff spot.
On Monday, the Islanders began a crucial three-game road trip through Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. They find themselves in a tight competition among five teams vying for four playoff spots: two from the Metropolitan Division and two wild-card spots. The teams they’re battling include the Penguins, Blue Jackets, Bruins, and Red Wings.
Sitting just behind the Penguins with 81 points, the Islanders know the Penguins had an identical point total yet benefitted from four additional wins in regulation, ensuring their position even if they were to lose. Also, Columbus is close, trailing by only two points. Both the Bruins and Red Wings had 80 points, occupying the two wild-card positions, and Montreal isn’t far off either; they’re in third in the Atlantic Division just two points behind Boston and Detroit.
For the Islanders, keeping an eye on the Penguins and Blue Jackets is essential, as these teams could secure home ice for the first playoff round, which could be crucial. Fortunately, the Islanders have a scheduling edge.
The Penguins have been missing star Sidney Crosby since the Olympic break. While he’s on the road with the team and could be back soon, they still face the toughest schedule in the league. The Blue Jackets aren’t far behind in terms of difficulty, while the Bruins are somewhat in between.
That said, the situation isn’t all positive. With a .595 strength of schedule, the Islanders are in a tight spot too.
The Red Wings currently have the easiest schedule at .575, but they’re grappling with significant injuries to key players, including captain Dylan Larkin and Andrew Copp, both sidelined since the trade deadline.
Returning from their Canadian road trip, the Islanders will only have two road games left in the final stretch of twelve. Yes, their remaining opponents will be tough, but given the hectic travel since January, the Islanders might appreciate the favor of fewer road games. Upcoming matchups include the Blue Jackets on March 22 and the Penguins on March 30, both at UBS Arena.
As this road trip unfolds, it’s worth noting that the Islanders have the most home games left in the league. If they can navigate their last few road games without hiccups, they stand to benefit greatly.
Should the Islanders secure their playoff spot, ideally, they’d like to achieve home-ice advantage in the first round. Facing the Blue Jackets might be the match they hope for, but it’s essential to remember that no matchup can be considered easy.
Pittsburgh has had competitive games against the Islanders so far, and with Crosby potentially back, they could prove a formidable opponent. Historically, the Carolina Hurricanes have bested the Islanders in 2019, 2023, and 2024, so it’s understandable why the Islanders wouldn’t want to face them again in a tense playoff atmosphere.
Buffalo, lacking playoff experience, may seem like an advantage for opposing teams. However, their depth poses its own set of challenges, and being on the Atlantic side of the bracket, where Tampa or Montreal lurk, isn’t ideal either.
The Isles have a 2-1 record against Columbus this season, marking the Blue Jackets’ first playoff appearance in six years. It won’t be a straightforward series, but it’s a scenario the Islanders could manage.
However, before any of that can be considered, they first need to make it to the playoffs.
