It still isn’t mathematically locked in, but with a tenacious come from behind win over the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, the New York Islanders magic number drops to just two points. They could clinch a return to the playoffs with a win at home to the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday.
The Islanders haven’t been to the postseason since the 2015-16 season, where on the heels of heroics from Thomas Greiss and two goals from John Tavares they won their first playoff series since 1993; a 23-year wait.
As we all know, good things don’t always last.