New York Islanders playoff hopes hinge on next two games

The next two home and away games against the Chicago Blackhawks could determine the New York Islanders’ playoff hopes.

Now, we’re not being overly dramatic. It’s not hyperbole.

The Islanders are facing the next-to-worst team in the NHL. That situation means that the Islanders have four points easily within reach. Now, we’re not saying these are “easy” points. We’re saying they’re easily within reach.

In other words, the Islanders can sweep the two-game miniseries against the Blackhawks and firmly position themselves in the thick of the playoff race in the Metro Division.

After Wednesday night’s action, the New York Islanders are sixth in the Metro with 29 points, one point behind the fifth-place Philadelphia Flyers and two points back of the fourth-place New York Rangers.

Now, let’s add four points to the New York Islanders’ total. That would be 33 points, shooting them past the Rangers and nipping at the Carolina Hurricanes’ heels. Of course, other teams have to play and could also get more points.

Nevertheless, Rangers appear to be in a freefall, while the Flyers aren’t playoff material, yet. But by grabbing the four available points, the Isles place themselves right in the thick of the playoff hunt.

Let’s now assume the Islanders get anything less than four points. That situation would essentially sink the Isles below the Flyers, making it even harder for the club to make up ground. Please keep in mind that the Islanders have played two more games than the Rangers and one more than the Flyers.

That’s why nabbing the four points against the Blackhawks is so important. The key is to make up as much ground as possible so that when reinforcements arrive, the Isles will be in a position to make a run for the postseason.

New York Islanders destined for a wildcard spot

The top of the Metro Division is packed with three good teams at the moment. The Washington Capitals have exceeded expectations, especially without Alex Ovechkin. The New Jersey Devils are where most experts predicted they would be, while the Carolina Hurricanes keep chugging along.

Three points separate the three aforementioned clubs. They’re in a tight battle and should continue to duke it out as the season continues to unfold.

However, the Rangers are now six points behind the Hurricanes, with the Flyers and Islanders seven and eight points back, respectively. That gap may be too much to bridge even at this point in the season. Of course, there’s always a chance the Isles get hot and one of these other clubs goes on a prolonged losing streak.

But realistically speaking, the top three spots in the Metro are spoken for. That leaves the Isles in contention for one of the two wildcard spots. As it stands, the Islanders are right on the cusp. They are one point back of the Tampa Bay Lightning who currently hold the second wildcard spot.

So, even if the Islanders can’t realistically catch third place in the Metro, they can still land one of the wildcard spots currently up for grabs.

It remains to be seen how well the Isles can turn things around once reinforcements arrive. The returns of Mathew Barzal and Anthony Duclair should give the offense a boost. The eventual return of Adam Pelech should also stabilize the blue line.

Still, it’s on Lou Lamoriello’s shoulders to find help as the New York Islanders are very much in the playoff hunt.