The Islanders have established themselves as an upper-echelon team under the Lou Lamoriello-Barry Trotz regime, having compiled the NHL’s fourth-best record since the GM and coach signed on to save the franchise before last season.
Indeed, only the Caps, Blues and Bruins have recorded more points and only the Caps and Blues have registered more victories than the Islanders since the start of 2018-19.
Which means that this team’s measure will be taken by how far it advances in the playoffs. Lamoriello has never been one of those guys to hope to finish eighth and put his faith in the alleged randomness of the postseason.