The Eastern Conference’s wild-card race to the bottom saw all four teams, Washington, Philadelphia, Detroit, and the Islanders, losing on the same night. This unusual dynamic meant that losing could actually help a team’s chances in the playoff race, with Washington and Detroit gaining a point on the field by losing in shootouts.
This self-defeating situation adds an interesting twist to the Islanders’ upcoming game against the Flyers, where both teams are struggling to stay in contention. The game could potentially shift the standings by four points, putting the Islanders ahead of Philadelphia in the race but not Detroit. The matchup guarantees at least one team will get two points, providing some relief to the teams in the race.
Despite the tough competition and recent poor performances from all teams involved, there is still a chance for the Islanders to make a positive move in the standings. Even with a 2-7-1 record in their last ten games, the Islanders have a shot at climbing up the ranks and securing a playoff spot. Coach Patrick Roy remains optimistic about the team’s chances and sees potential for improvement in their upcoming games.
In contrast to the Islanders, the Flyers are struggling even more, with a recent 5-1 loss to the Blackhawks adding to their woes. Coach John Tortorella expressed disappointment in his team’s performance, acknowledging that they did not execute well in the game. This places the Islanders in a slightly better position going into their critical matchup against the Flyers.
One positive factor for the Islanders is the strong performance of goalie Semyon Varlamov, who could potentially start their next game against the Flyers. Roy praised Varlamov’s efforts and noted that the team had generated offense during their recent games. Despite the challenging circumstances, there are some bright spots for the Islanders as they look to make a push towards the playoffs.
Overall, the playoff race in the Eastern Conference is unpredictable and intense, with every game carrying significant weight in determining the final standings. While the road ahead may be tough for the Islanders and other teams in the race, there is still hope for a turnaround and a chance to secure a playoff spot. Ultimately, the playoffs only care about the teams that make it, regardless of how they got there, giving the Islanders motivation to keep pushing towards their goal.
