Just as ... no one predicted, the John Tavares-less New York Islanders are in first place in the Metropolitan Division on Jan. 21, with a plus-26 goal differential.
Will they remain there for the rest of the campaign, or slip out of the playoff mix altogether?
Where will the Islanders finish this season?
Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: The Islanders have 62 points in 48 games -- three points ahead of second-place Columbus. They're eight points clear of the Buffalo Sabres, who sit right outside the wild-card bubble.