The New York Islanders are almost certainly going to the playoffs this season. With 85 points they’re in first place in the Metropolitan Division. Maybe they don’t end the season there, but they’re definitely going to make the postseason.
It’s only been two years without playoff hockey for the Islanders, but it’s been two years too long.
With a “hard to play” against style that sacrifices puck possession for creating more high-danger chances, the Islanders are one of the top teams in the league.
As teams still jockey for positioning in the Eastern Conference, the Islanders could face any of a number of teams from within their own division or from the Atlantic Division.