Assessing the New York Islanders at the midway mark of 2024-25 season

Assessing the New York Islanders at the midway mark of 2024-25 season

Standings

Let’s start with the most glaring point: The standings.

As it stands, the New York Islanders have played 40 games and have 37 points in the standings. That’s good for last place in the Metro Division, one point behind the crosstown Rangers.

However, the standings can be deceiving. As I mentioned, the separation between top teams and those in the mushy middle is significant. The third-place Carolina Hurricanes have an eight-point lead over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

That situation means the Blue Jackets lead the Isles by just five points. With Columbus sitting in the second wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference at the moment, the Isles have a chance to claw their way into a playoff spot.

The Isles can squeak into the playoffs like they did last season. Getting in depends on several factors, particularly consistency. If the Isles can play consistent 60-minute hockey, there’s a good chance they can close the gap and make a run at a playoff spot.