Islanders Face Uphill Battle to Secure Playoff Spot

Five-team race for four playoff spots in the Metro and wild-card races

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:04am

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The New York Islanders are in a tight race to secure a playoff spot, currently sitting in fifth place in the Metropolitan Division with 81 points. They are one spot behind the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have the same number of points but more regulation wins. The Islanders face a challenging remaining schedule as they battle the Penguins, Blue Jackets, Bruins, and Red Wings for the final playoff spots.

Why it matters

The Islanders have been a consistent playoff team in recent years, but making the postseason this year will require navigating a crowded field of contenders. Their ability to secure a playoff berth will have major implications for the team's momentum heading into the playoffs and their chances of making a deep run.

The details

The Islanders have a .595 remaining strength of schedule, which is the fourth-toughest among the five teams vying for the final playoff spots. The Penguins have the league's hardest remaining schedule, while the Blue Jackets and Bruins also face tough slates. The Red Wings, on the other hand, have the easiest remaining schedule, but are dealing with key injuries to their top two centers.

  • The Islanders are currently in fifth place in the Metropolitan Division with 81 points.
  • The Penguins started the day with the same 81 points as the Islanders, but have four more regulation wins.
  • The Blue Jackets are two points back of the Islanders, while the Bruins and Red Wings are both on 80 points and occupying the two wild-card spots.
  • The Islanders have just two road games in their last 12 to close out the season, a considerable advantage after their frantic travel schedule since January.
  • The Islanders' remaining games against the Blue Jackets (March 22) and Penguins (March 30) are both at UBS Arena.

The players

Sidney Crosby

The star center for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who has been out since the Olympic break due to injury but could return soon.

Dylan Larkin

The captain and top center for the Detroit Red Wings, who was injured after the trade deadline and is expected to miss at least two weeks.

Andrew Copp

The second-line center for the Detroit Red Wings, who was also injured after the trade deadline and is expected to miss at least two weeks.

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What they’re saying

“It's been over three months since the Islanders were out of a playoff spot, allowing for the illusion of security.”

— Ethan Sears, Author (nypost.com)

What’s next

The Islanders will need to navigate a difficult remaining schedule, including key games against the Penguins and Blue Jackets, in order to secure a playoff spot. Their ability to capitalize on their home-heavy schedule down the stretch will be crucial.

The takeaway

The Islanders' quest to return to the playoffs this season will be a hard-fought battle, as they face stiff competition from several other teams vying for the final postseason berths. Their success or failure in this race could have major implications for the franchise's momentum and outlook heading into the offseason.