And now it gets interesting.
As if the waning schedule and tightening playoff races aren't enough, NHL fans are pumped for the in-earnest arrival of trade season in advance of the transactional deadline on April 12.
The New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils swung the first deal of note Wednesday, with the Devils sending Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac to Long Island for two depth forwards and two draft picks, including New York's first-round choice at the 2021 draft in July.
It was a welcome boost for the Islanders, who lost captain Anders Lee to a knee injury in mid-March but have still managed to keep pace with the Washington Capitals atop the contentious East Division.