This is Islanders only real path to playoffs

As the New York Islanders enter a critical must-win game against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night, a harsh reality has become evident. There is only one plausible way for the Isles to make the postseason.

The Senators-Islanders matchup is crucial, but even if the Islanders won the game in regulation, it would not close the three-point gap between the two teams. If the Islanders won in overtime or the shootout, the gap would remain at two points.

If the Senators win in regulation, it's pretty much game over. They can officially clinch the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference if the Detroit Red WIngs also lose on Saturday.

That’s why the Isles’ best bet is to take over third spot in the Metro Division.

Entering Saturday night’s action, the Philadelphia Flyers hold third spot in the Metro with 92 points. The Islanders are right behind with 91. A win, regardless of the outcome, paired with a Flyers’ loss would catapult the Islanders back into a playoff spot.

Philly, meanwhile, will be in Winnipeg to take on the Jets. A Flyers’ win would make third place in the Metro unattainable. But even an overtime or shootout loss by the Flyers, plus an Islanders victory, would put the Isles into that third spot on the Metro.

It’s worth pointing out that the Islanders have a leg up in the tiebreaker as they have 29 regulation wins to the Flyers’ 25. That’s a major advantage for the Islanders should the two teams end up tied with the same number of points.

The wild card is unrealistic for Islanders

While it would seem that the Islanders have two paths to the playoffs, the second wild card spot is just unrealistic. Making up three points in the standings with three games to play is just not likely.

The Senators, who are riding a three-game winning streak, would have to lose all of their last three remaining games, including Saturday night’s matchup against the Islanders, while the Isles have to win out the rest of the way.

Now, Thursday night’s win over the Toronto Maple Leafs was a good start. Beating the Senators would be an amazing next step. That also leaves the Islanders with one more crucial matchup on Sunday evening against the Montreal Canadiens.

All the while, the Islanders would just need to tie the Flyers in points to take over third in the Metro. Making up one point is far more feasible than three, with such a short runway to go.

Anything is possible. The Islanders could take over that second wild card spot or take over third in the Metro. They could also miss the playoffs entirely. With MoneyPuck giving the Isles at 37.5% of making it, plenty of questions linger.

Whatever happens, this will be one exciting weekend for Islanders fans.