3 reasons why the Islanders can hang onto a wild card spot and make the NHL playoffs

The Islanders have age and experience on their side

Good teams that lack experience when March hits may be in for rude awakenings if they also lack a strong presence that can help guide them through what will be a rough six weeks if we’re talking about the first of March to the middle of April. Fortunately for the Islanders, this isn’t the case, as they are one of the oldest and most experienced teams in hockey. 

Sure, it’s been a rough ride for New York since October, but teams like them know what to expect in March and April. There is always a sense of urgency throughout an 82-game season, but that urgency turns up a notch following the trade deadline, and the Isles know it better than most.

While New York did nothing at the deadline, there is a good chance that had the deadline been earlier in the season, general manager Lou Lamoriello may have sold some of his more experienced pieces. 

That experience certainly helped during their seven-game winning streak, and with teams like the New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, Winnipeg Jets, Florida Panthers, and the Tampa Bay Lightning coming up toward the end of the month, they must rely on that experience a little more. If that happens and the Isles keep up a consistent pace, they will control their playoff destiny.