The New York Islanders have a 23% chance of making playoffs

The New York Islanders have a 23% chance of making the playoffs this season. That number comes courtesy of a recent piece in The Athletic that looked at the tight competition in the Eastern Conference for the two wildcard spots.

The piece assumed that the top three spots in each division, the Atlantic and Metro, are essential. As such, the consensus is that the Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, and New Jersey Devils are locks for the postseason.

Of course, anything can happen. But unless any one of these clubs has a massive second-half collapse, it’s doubtful they fall out of a playoff berth.

So, that leaves us with the Islanders. Entering Saturday night’s action, the Isles sit in last place in the Metro Division. But their 41 points are not too far off the Columbus Blue Jackets who have a hold on the top wild card spot with 50 points.

Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins have the inside track on the second wildcard spot with 49 points. Unfortunately for Boston fans, the Bruins are trending in the wrong direction and could ultimately miss the postseason.

Then, there’s a logjam among the remaining clubs in the Eastern Conference. The Athletic seems about ready to write obituaries for the Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Detroit Red Wings, and Buffalo Sabres.

Again, anything can happen. But unless any of these clubs go on a mind-boggling run, it’s doubtful they get in.

Please bear in mind that this 23% chance for the Isles was written before they lost to the Ottawa Senators and Flyers. The back-to-back losses have really hurt the Isles’ chances of getting back into the playoff hunt.

It remains to be seen if the Isles can still get things together and ride a winning streak into the playoffs.