The New York Islanders sit at NHL-.500 through 15 games, sporting a 6-6-3 record.
It’s been a roller coaster ride to start the season. Last year’s flaws have remained. Players have gone down with injuries, but resilient efforts have kept them afloat.
Through all the havoc, the Islanders have a big opportunity when the puck drops in Edmonton on Tuesday night against the Oilers.
And that’s to wake up holding a wild-card spot for the first time this season.
The Islanders opened up the day tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning, but because Tampa has played one fewer game, they hold the second wild-card spot while Long Island remains on the outside looking in.
There’s a log jam right now, with the Buffalo Sabres also having 15 points but having played 16 games.
Then there are the Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, and Pittsburgh Penguins, who have 14 points through 14,16 and 17 games, respectively.
The Lightning, the Sabres, the Penguins, and the Flyers are not in action on Tuesday, which means the Islanders could jump the Lightning with a win. If the Islanders only earn a point in Edmonton, they could get jumped by the Senators if Brady Tkachuk’s team beats the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Here’s another thing the Islanders could accomplish with a “W.”
The Rangers, who haven’t played their best hockey, are facing the 14-1-0 Winnipeg Jets — they’re starting Jonathan Quick for a second straight game.
An Islanders win and a Rangers loss would put the Islanders two points behind their cross-town rivals for the top wild-card spot in the East and inch within three points of the Washington Capitals for third in the Metropolitan Division.
Welcome to the Metropolitan Division in 2024-25, ladies and gentlemen.
Yes, we are well aware that the Islanders will have 68 games remaining, regardless of their result in Alberta.
But given how the Islanders’ season has started, being back in a wild-card spot with four games remaining on a tough road trip will certainly boost confidence.
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