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Elmont Today
By the People, for the People
Islanders' Playoff Hopes Dashed After Late-Season Collapse
Despite a strong start and elite goaltending, the New York Islanders failed to make the postseason after a brutal stretch run.
Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:43pm
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A cubist interpretation of the Islanders' late-season collapse, capturing the team's defensive struggles and inability to close out tight games.Elmont TodayThe New York Islanders' 2025-26 season ended in disappointment as the team failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs despite finishing with over 40 wins. The Islanders were in playoff position for much of the year thanks to the stellar play of goaltender Ilya Sorokin, but a late-season skid marked by defensive breakdowns, an ineffective power play, and an inability to close out close games sent them spiraling down the standings in the final weeks.
Why it matters
The Islanders' collapse is historically rare, as teams that reach the 40-win mark typically secure a playoff spot. This abrupt end to their season is a major disappointment for the organization and its fans, who had high hopes after the team appeared poised for a postseason run for much of the year.
The details
The Islanders reached the 40-win mark with games to spare, a benchmark that usually guarantees a playoff berth. However, a brutal 15-game stretch to end the season saw the team struggle mightily, going just 5-10-0. They were plagued by defensive lapses, an anemic power play, and an inability to close out tight games - all issues that were not present earlier in the year.
- The Islanders reached the 40-win mark with games remaining in the regular season.
- In their final 15 games, the Islanders went just 5-10-0, plummeting down the standings.
The players
Ilya Sorokin
The Islanders' star goaltender, who finished the season with a 2.21 goals-against average, a .929 save percentage, and 6 shutouts.
New York Islanders
The NHL team that failed to make the playoffs despite a strong start and over 40 wins on the season.
What’s next
The Islanders organization has already taken a step forward by hiring a new head coach, which is seen as a reset opportunity for the team. With Sorokin still in his prime and the core remaining competitive, there is reason to believe the Islanders can bounce back next season and make a return to the playoffs.
The takeaway
The Islanders' late-season collapse, despite a strong start and elite goaltending, is a historically rare occurrence for a team that reached the 40-win mark. This abrupt end to their season is a major disappointment for the organization and its fans, but the hiring of a new head coach provides hope that the team can rebound and return to the playoffs in the near future.
