New York Islanders Tank With Loss vs Chicago Blackhawks (Highlights)

The New York Islanders march to the bottom continues as they drop another two points to fellow bottom dwellers the Chicago Blackhawks with a 3-1 loss.

This game was win-win for the New York Islanders. If the Isles win against the Chicago Blackhawks they get some form of pride back for being true professionals. Whatever that’s worth at this point in this terribly disappointing season.

If the New York Islanders lose then the Blackhawks are just a single point back of the Isles in the race to the bottom. Which doesn’t sound important, but it could help push the Islanders chances at a first overall pick from 5.4% to 6.7%.

It could also increase their odds at a top three pick from 17.8% to 20.9%. Again, doesn’t sound like a big jump, but every margin counts. So again, this game was going to be win-win for the Islanders.

Just a Single Goal

The Islanders came right out of the gate and dominated for the first five minutes of the game. And then it just seemed that they decided: “You know what? I’m good. 0-0 is a good scored for me.” Cause they didn’t seem to care at all.

I know they aren’t going to make the playoffs, even if they win the game. They don’t have anything to play for but their professional pride. That didn’t seem like enough. Which is fine for someone like me who’s not so secretly hoping for a top-three pick.

It wasn’t until there were about five minutes left in the game that the Islanders decided they might want to play for a win.

And finally, after a few opportunities captain, John Tavares put in his 33rd goal of the season and 78th point to make it 2-1.

Brent Seabrook would add an empty net goal not long afterward in what is certainly retaliation for me calling him slow at the start of the game.

Next: The Few Positives in the Isles 2017-18 Season

With the loss, the Blackhawks move up to 71 points. Just one back of the Islanders 72. With seven games to go, it’s entirely possible that the Hawks leapfrog the Isles in the race to the bottom. Getting the New York Islanders one step closer to Rasmus Dahlin.