If the New York Islanders can parlay their 3-2 overtime victory against the Dallas Stars with a monumental win against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday, catching the Philadelphia Flyers becomes very much a reality.
Every general manager in the National Hockey League has 10 days to decide what to do come the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline on March 8.
Some general managers have it easy, going for it all with their team on their way to the Stanley Cup Playoffs or shipping players out with a playoff spot not in sight.
Others, like New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello, have a decision to make given their situation in the standings with 24 games to go.
We all believe that Lamoriello will be buying at the deadline, and games like Monday certainly move the needle even more in that direction.
In desperation fashion, Islanders All-Star Mathew Barzal made the most of his second shift in overtime, showing just how urgent he was to get his team two points to stay in the playoff race.
"But then just that instant of being in a desperate hockey game, having a 50/50 puck there in overtime, down in the corner, and I wanted to win that battle," Barzal said following the win. "And the rest was Bo doing a great job at finding that little hole, that open space, and a great period by him. He's had a lot of chances lately, and that was a huge win for him tonight and for our team."
Just how big was that win over Dallas?
The Flyers, who currently hold the third spot in the Metropolitan Division, have lost four of their last five games (0-3-1).
If things go the Islanders' way over the next few days -- Philadelphia falling to Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night-- the Islanders could potentially be three points back of John Tortorella's club with a game in hand before they hit the ice again against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday.
While a Washington Capitals win over the Red Wings on Tuesday could have them within two points of the Flyers, that result would help the Islanders in the wild-card race.
The Red Wings currently hold down the top wild-card spot with 70 points, eight up on the Islanders before the two teams face.
Building on critical wins has been the Islanders' biggest failure this season.
Every win going forward gives Lamoriello more of a reason to find a way to buy, and a shot at third in the Metro will have the Hall of Fame general manager licking his lips, with a win opening two playoff paths.