New York Islanders Versus Calgary Flames is Top Five Bout

The New York Islanders are getting set to play the Calgary Flames Wednesday Night. Much to the surprise of NHL experts, Wednesday’s battle will boast two of the top five teams in the league.

Before the season began, if I told you that the New York Islanders and Calgary Flames first meeting in February would be a battle of first-place teams, you would have laughed at me. As fortunes would have it, here we are.

Not only are they both in first place within their respective divisions, if not for the Tampa Bay Lightning’s insane season, but both could also be in the President’s Trophy conversation.

The Flames are second in the NHL with 79 points (Tampa is in first with a ludicrous 96). The Islanders are not far behind, sitting in fifth place with 76 points. Last season the Flames and Isles finished with 84 and 80 points respectively.

Expectations of Trip

The New York Islanders are beginning their Western Canada swing in Calgary. From there they travel to Edmonton and Vancouver. The Isles have a chance to eclipse their point total from last season before returning home next Tuesday.

The Islanders already have the same number of wins they had last season with 35. With two wins from three the Islanders could hit that 80 point mark from 2017-18.

Next Tuesday they will host the Flames, and if their Canada trip goes well, should have at least 80 points. There is no reason the Isles should not win two games on the road trip. We know Barry Trotz will have the team ready to play before returning back to the Island.

Of course, we could have a new look Islanders when they return home because the NHL trade deadline is the 25th. One thing for certain is the Islanders will return to the Coliseum with their playoff anticipation building by the day.