ELMONT, NY — The New York Islanders entered Sunday night’s matchup against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers six points back of the second wild-card spot with 18 games to go.
After a 4-2 comeback win, the Islanders woke up on Monday morning four points back of the second wild-card New York Rangers, who could not help themselves with a 3-1 loss to Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.
So, that means, for now, the Islanders are chasing their cross-town rival.
The good news for the Islanders is that the Rangers have played two more games (a potential four-point swing) and the two sides go head-to-head on Apr. 10.
The Detroit Red Wings, who began their night two points up on the Islanders, inched within two points of the Rangers following a 3-0 shutout win over the Vegas Golden Knights.
Here’s a look at Monday’s games that impact the Eastern Conference wild-card race:
The Boston Bruins, who are tied for the Islanders in points, battle the Buffalo Sabres on Monday. The Philadelphia Flyers, who are four points back of the Islanders, play the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Metropolitan Division’s second seed, the New Jersey Devils, battled the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are two points back of a wild-card spot.
Up next for the Islanders is the Pittsburgh Penguins, who are just two points behind them in the standings and have won four straight.
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