Even in a 56-game sprint, the Islanders’ journey has grown a bit stale. They ebb and flow, struggle to score, add veterans, do a standings dance with the Capitals and Penguins and . . . just wake us in mid-May, will ya, guys?
In the meantime, the most interesting New York hockey team of the moment is the one built for the near future more than the present.
Will the Rangers catch the Bruins for an East Division playoff spot? Entering Tuesday night’s visit to the Islanders, they remained a longshot, even after four consecutive victories over the Devils’ jayvee squad.