If the regular season ended this morning, the New York Islanders would qualify for the playoffs by virtue of having more points, thanks to having played one more game, than Detroit, Columbus, or Philadelphia.
Tonight that will not change but it can get either better or more fragile as they host the Flyers, who desperately need points to stay in the chase. So begins a back-to-back that concludes tomorrow in Carolina, where the Hurricanes have just clinched their playoff spot and hopefully went on a celebratory all-night bender.
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Last night’s scores mostly broke in the Isles’ favor, though Ottawa won to leap into a wild card spot and show the Islanders that the Sabres can, in fact, be beaten (and handily, 4-1). The favorable scores included the Penguins losing to the Lightning in regulation (hallelujah!), the Blue Jackets losing to Carolina in regulation (amen!), and the Red Wings and Flyers also having the courtesy of finishing in regulation (Bossy is great!).
With Philly’s 4-2 home loss to the Wings, they are two points behind Ottawa, Columbus and Detroit and will want something from tonight all the more. Motivation should be extremely high for both sides, but that doesn’t stop three guys from chasing one Sabre behind the net now does it?
First Islanders Goal picks go here.
Islanders News
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Practice updates: No updates on Tony DeAngelo or Simon Holmstrom injuries, no inclination to put Cal Ritchie back with Barzal and Schenn. [Isles | THN]
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Victor Eklund was excited to get into action as quickly as possible when he reported to AHL Bridgeport. [Isles]
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The Islanders’ offense is failing them at a critical time. [Newsday]
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Yeah, but their defense is failing them worse. [Post]
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Ex-Isle Mikhail Grabovski is charged in some assault around a youth hockey game. [TSN]
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The instructions this time of year are simple: Win, and more often than the other guys. [Newsday]
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Enter your personal data to respond to Matthew Schaefer trivia. [Isles]
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Elsewhere
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A pretty great interview with Jaromir Jagr on his career and the state of the game today. [NHL]
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How Craig Berube is handling being a coach in limbo: the same as always. [Sportsnet]
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Bourne: How to fix the Leafs quickly (including replacing Berube). [Sportsnet]
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And Chris Pronger opines on the Ducks and whether Auston Matthews is long for the Leafs. [NHL]
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Congratulations to the Canucks, who have clinched last place overall. [Sportsnet]
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William Nylander wants to stay with the Leafs but isn’t interested in a teardown rebuild. [Sportsnet]
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The Leafs under Keith Pelley make pretty much everything for sale. [Athletic]
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What is the secret to the Sabres’ amazing turnaround? Actually deciding to play smart hockey, moment after moment, night after night. [ESPN]
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