Eyes On Isles

The New York Islanders Not a Lock for the Playoffs According to AI 

A query conducted on an AI-based engine concluded that while the New York Islanders have the pieces to ice a playoff contender, the team is not a lock to earn a postseason berth given the number of question marks surrounding the club.

The New York Islanders have a strong shot at making a strong playoff push this offseason, however, an AI-based engine feels that several question marks surround the club.
The New York Islanders have a strong shot at making a strong playoff push this offseason, however, an AI-based engine feels that several question marks surround the club. | Grant Halverson/GettyImages

The New York Islanders are not a lock to make the playoffs this upcoming season, according to ChatGPT. 

With the AI boom capturing virtually every aspect of life, I figured I would ask AI what it thought about the New York Islanders’ chances to make the playoffs this upcoming season. 

I asked ChatGPT one question: 

Are the New York Islanders a playoff team in 2024-25? 

The AI- powered response was twofold. 

First, ChatGPT highlights how the Isles made “some strategic offseason moves.” The most notable move was signing Anthony Duclair to add speed and playmaking ability to the top line. 

But here’s where it gets interesting. 

ChatGPT pointed out that the Isles, “still lack a game-changing forward to elevate their offense to the next level.” 

That comment made me think about the current forward group. By all accounts, Mathew Barzal would be that game-changing forward. But when you think about it, perhaps the AI-engine considers that Barzal has yet to establish himself as a premier game-changer like Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews. 

The response would go on to state the blue line looks solid, especially if Noah Dobson has the breakout season everyone expects. Additionally, Ilya Sorokin will be looked upon to return to Vezina Trophy form. 

But there’s one other element that ChatGPT felt was crucial. 

The New York Islanders’ Playoff Chances Hinge on Patrick Roy 

The second major point ChatGPT made was the team’s ability to buy into Patrick Roy’s system. In particular, ChatGPT pointed out that: 

“The Islanders’ playoff chances are also highly dependent on how well the team adapts to head coach Patrick Roy’s system.” 

The AI-based engine added: 

“If the team buys into his balanced and structured approach, they could finish near the top of the Metropolitan Division. However, if they struggle to generate enough offense or face injuries, they could find themselves battling for a wildcard spot.” 

If we take ChatGPT at face value, we can assume Lou Lamoriello has assembled a playoff-caliber team. However, the team’s success depends largely on how well Roy can rally the troops toward the promised land. 

The one wildcard remains. Injuries. If the injury bug does not decimate the New York Islanders’ roster, the Isles could give the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes a run for their money in the Metro Division. 

ChatGPT concluded: 

“Overall, while not a lock, the Islanders have the pieces to be a playoff contender, but they'll need everything to click to ensure a spot in the 2024-25 postseason.” 

In my estimation, ChatGPT makes a lot of sense. Many things will need to click in order for the Isles to make a strong push during the regular season and beyond. But then again, that can be said for every NHL team. 

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