The Islanders extended their time in purgatory by picking now to end a six-game winless streak, beating the wild card-eligible Minnesota Wild 3-1 on Long Island.
Except for those holding out hope for a miracle, this was a perfectly empty result, coming after four consecutive regulation losses that sent them careening from the wild card chase.
The win does not change their place in the Eastern standings, as with 76 points they still trail the Red Wings (who also won), Blue Jackets and Rangers — all of whom trail Montreal (81 points) for the second wild card.