Coming into the final three games of the NHL regular season, it's been a 3 team race for the final two wild card spots in the East. The Florida Panthers, New York Islanders, and Pittsburgh Penguins have been battling the last few weeks for a playoff spot, and it's coming down to the wire. The Islanders lost 5-2 last night to an injured Washington Capitals team, but were helped out by their former captain, John Tavares, as the the Panthers lost in overtime to Toronto on a goal.
“It’s tough to explain,” NY Islanders coach Lane Lambert said. “We made some mistakes right off the hop. We made some mistakes, we gave it to them, we lost a faceoff, they scored. Tripped over our own stick. Some errors were made.”
Both Florida and New York both have one game remaining this season, with Pittsburgh playing tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks, and Thursday against Columbus Blue Jackets. So heres how things can possibly play out.
If the Islanders earn two points in OT or the shootout against the Montreal Canadiens, they will earn a playoff spot if the following happens:
A Pittsburgh loss (of any kind) vs. Chicago (tonight) or Columbus (Thurs)
A Florida Panthers loss vs. Carolina (Thurs)
If the Islanders defeat the Montreal Canadiens in regulation, they will earn a playoff spot if the following happens:
Florida Panthers lose in the shootout or OT vs. the Carolina Hurricanes (Thurs). In this scenario, the Islanders would finish with the same regulation wins, but have one more regulation OT win than the Panthers, earning them the tie-breaker.
What is the best case scenario?
If the Penguins fail to earn two points against the Chicago Blackhawks (losers of 12 of 13 games), the Islanders will have a "win and in" scenario at home against the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night at UBS Arena. The Isles would clinch at least the eighth seed in that scenario.
“That is disappointing when you’re in a spot where you win a couple and you’re in,” veteran winger Zach Parise said. “Now we need help, so hopefully we get it.” @EverydayIsles
@NYIslanders just a remainder you make the playoffs, I dye my hair blonde, I dont know maybe something to play for, just a suggestion.