Islanders Weekly Recap- 4/5

The playoff scenario for the Islanders is much clearer today than it was last week, and can best be simplified in this way: there’s a chance, but it’s slim. Interim Head Coach Doug Weight said it perfectly before Tuesday’s matchup in Nashville. “Yeah, ‘Saturday Night Fever,’ stayin’ alive. We have to win a game,” said Weight. Win they did, 2-1 over the Predators in overtime. For the Isles themselves, the situation was, and still is rather simple: win or you’re out. A single loss to close out the season means no playoff hockey. More unfortunately, there are other things outside of New York’s control that could mean an end to their playoff hopes. In the midst of the game against Nashville, both Ottawa and Toronto notched victories for themselves. When the cloud of dust cleared away after the Isles win, they were left with a rather dim playoff picture. Assuming the Islanders can win their remaining three games, including a season finale against the Senators, they still have to hope for either Ottawa or Toronto (or both) lose each of their remaining three games. A win-out by New York in addition to a lose-out by either team means an Islanders postseason berth. Contrarily, if the Islanders lose a single game in any manner, they will be eliminated from contention. One point for Ottawa and two points from Toronto would also eliminate New York, even if the team were to win-out. Anything can happen in any sport, but the Islanders situation is certainly not ideal to be placed in. The loss of Captain John Tavares to injury doesn’t make the task of winning-out any easier. However, the team has been getting production recently from others in the lineup, especially rookie Josh Ho-Sang. The 21 year-old has four goals and six assists in just 18 games played, a good sign for the team moving forward. Even with this gleam of light, the Islanders have one goal in making the playoffs. Over two months have gone by since the team fired ex-Head Coach Jack Capuano, and the season seemed in ruins. Their bounce-back under Interim Coach Doug Weight was impressive, but can the question is: can they press on? Next up is a matchup with the Hurricane on Thursday. All that’s left to do is win and pray for Ottawa and Toronto to drop their games.