Islanders back to postseason a realistic expectation?

A major goal for the New York Islanders this season will be to make a strong run for a playoff spot. While the focus is on building a sustainable, long-term contender, fans, players, and management want to ditch last season and get back into the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

But would a return to the postseason be a realistic goal? Given the talent on the Islanders’ roster, it’s certainly a possibility.

Last season, the Islanders were plagued by an irrational number of injuries. It was almost as if someone had placed a voodoo curse on the team. For instance, Anthony Duclair recently revealed he sustained a major groin injury early in the season. He played despite the ailment not fully healing, leading to a disastrous season.

Similarly, Mathew Barzal was lost for an extended period, with the blue line being decimated at various points in the season.

Despite the injuries, the Isles played well for various stretches in the season. While it wasn’t enough to get back into the playoff hunt, those positives could be encouraging enough to fuel expectations that the Islanders could return to the playoffs in 2025-26.

It won’t be easy given the nature of a stacked Metro Division. But if injuries don’t derail the Islanders’ season, there’s a very good chance the Isles could make a strong case for a playoff spot in 2025-26.

Islanders likely headed for a wild card spot in Eastern Conference

The Metro Division looks packed at the top this season. The Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Capitals should all make strong cases for a playoff spot. The New York Rangers will likely bounce back after an atrocious campaign last season.

Including the Islanders, that’s five clubs vying for three playoff spots. Throw the Columbus Blue Jackets into the mix, and it could be a six-way struggle for the three top seeds in the Metro.

That situation could leave the Islanders battling for a wild card spot. It might not seem too bad, but there will be other competitors to consider. Teams like the Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, and Ottawa Senators will be in tough for the other two wild card spots from the Atlantic Division side.

Of course, it’s not impossible for the Isles to contend for a wild card berth. But much of the Islanders’ playoff hopes will come down to getting off to a strong start. The Isles will face potential wild card opponents like the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings in October. They’ll also have key divisional matchups against the Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers.

That’s why getting off to a solid start could make the difference between slogging through the season and competing for a postseason spot. It’s certainly doable. It’s just a matter of building on the positives from last season.