The Bridgeport Islanders are heading to the Calder Cup playoffs

Although the New York Islanders fell short of making it to the playoffs, another team in their organization is set to play playoff hockey. After a beating, the Hartford Wolf Pack 4-1 on Sunday, the Bridgeport Islanders clinched a spot in the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs. It is the first time Bridgeport has made it to the playoffs since the 2021-22 season, when they fell to the Charlotte Checkers 3-1 in the second round.

It's special any time a team makes the playoffs, but this time it has a little more meaning. It was recently announced that after 25 years, the Islanders would be leaving Bridgeport and moving to Hamilton, Ontario. This is a chance to give the fanbase and city a goodbye gift before they pack it up and leave. But what are the chances this team can make a deep run, and how do they stack up against the other contenders?

Islanders hope to give Bridgeport a parting gift

The idea of Bridgeport making the Calder Cup playoffs was unfathomable just a year ago. They were coming off one of the worst seasons in AHL history. They had a record of 25-38-7, and only registered four wins at home. The lowest mark in AHL history. Given how much the team has struggled and the lack of high-end talent on the roster, the Islanders' front office had it worked out for them. It looked like it was gonna take years for them to be competitive again.

But this season has been a complete turnaround. They are currently slated to be the fourth seed with a record of 32-29-3. They are also one of the hottest teams in the AHL, having won eight of their last ten games. A large reason for this turnaround has been the improvement in net. Henrik Tikkanen has a 2.60 goals against average in 28 games, and Marcus Hogberg has a 2.92 goals against average in 31 games.

The offense has also improved for Bridgeport. They have been much better at putting the puck in the back of the net, having scored 211 goals. This is a 30-goal increase from last season. While it is still among the lowest in the league, it was enough to get them into the playoffs. The big reason for this increase has been the acquisition of Matt Luff and a full season of Adam Beckman. Both of them are first and second on the team in points, with Luff having 51 and Beckham having 49.

The Islanders' opponent has not yet been decided, but they will most likely play the Springfield Thunderbirds or the Hershey Bears. The Leigh Valley Phantoms have a chance, but would need a lot to go their way to make it. The Islanders have had the Thunderbirds' number, beating them in four of their six meetings. They have also looked good against the Bears, beating them three times, with one meeting left. With how well they have played, they should be able to win the opening round.

If they make it past the opening round, the talent will get much harder. The top teams in the Atlantic Division all have 90-plus points. The Islanders are the closest with 72, so they will definitely have their work cut out for them. Regardless of what this playoff trip brings, this will be a season to remember for Bridgeport. It's a nice parting gift before the team leaves for the Great White North.

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