The NY Islanders have the second-most difficult schedule remaining in the NHL

For the first time since early December, the NY Islanders find themselves on the outside of the playoff picture, with an uphill battle ahead. Despite playing well since returning from the Olympic break with a 7-4 record, the teams around them in the standings, most notably the Columbus Blue Jackets, have been better.

With 13 games remaining in the regular season, the Islanders will need to play their best hockey down the stretch, but it will be far from easy. Going into a pivotal game tonight against the Montreal Canadiens, the Islanders have the second-toughest remaining schedule among all NHL teams, according to Tankathon.

The Islanders face a difficult schedule down the stretch

Despite the schedule not exactly being in their favor, there’s some good news. The teams the Islanders are battling for a playoff berth with, the Habs, Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, and Detroit Red Wings, are all facing a daunting schedule as well.

Of the 13 games remaining, the Islanders will play five total against the Habs, Blue Jackets, and Penguins - games that will likely be the difference between who advances to postseason play and who begins vacation early. 

The Islanders' path got a bit more difficult earlier today, as the Penguins beat the Winnipeg Jets 5-4 in a SO, giving Pittsburgh a three-point edge on the Islanders. 

The Blue Jackets will host the Kraken tonight, while the Bruins and Red Wings face off, with the worst-case scenario for the Islanders being a three-point game. 

The magnitude of every point from here on out is massive. The Islanders still control their own fate, but there is little wiggle room.