With one game to spare, the Islanders can land where we thought they could never be just a few weeks ago: on the path to a short first-round elimination by the Hurricanes. (Or, if things break differently elsewhere, a nail-biting meeting with the Rangers.)
Win tonight in Newark and they’re in. Lose in extra time and they still might be in. Lose in regulation and have things break poorly elsewhere, then Wednesday vs. the Penguins suddenly gets very uncomfortable.
Of course, the Isles have yet to beat the Devils this season, and the home team will be loose with nothing but fun and pride to play for in front of home fans.