New York Islanders Beat Blue Jackets 4-2, Back In Playoff Spot After beating the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-2 and the Washington Capitals 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/cal-clutterbuck-new-york-islanders-masterton-trophy-nomination] were back in a playoff spot for the first time since March 15 when they woke up on Friday morning. After getting favorable results on Saturday, with the Capitals, the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Detroit Red Wings all losing in regulation, the Islanders moved from the second wild-card position to third place in the Metropolitan Division. With six games to go, they are in control of their own destiny. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OQltV4Lhpo[/embed] Despite the current situation, there's a portion of the fan base that would rather see New York miss the playoffs than "get in and be a quick out." First things first, unless I'm mistaken, no one here is from the future and can 100 percent know what happens once the playoffs begin. Sure, the Islanders could get in, get swept, and those fans will be sending out receipts like there's no tomorrow saying, "I told you so," which is always a weird brag, to begin with, rooting for your team to fail so you can say you were right. One of the biggest claims about not wanting the Islanders to make the playoffs is that if they just get in, there won't be changes made to a flawed roster. It's a logical thought, given what's transpired the last few seasons, but they could miss the playoffs, and little to no changes could be made. Or they could make the playoffs and really alter the roster in the summer. No one knows at this moment in time, so some people would rather see their team miss the playoffs, a chance at battling for a Stanley Cup, with no guarantee that making the playoffs or missing the playoffs bring about drastic changes. I'll tell ya one thing. There are no positives to the Islanders missing the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1NTE2NTc2MzM2NjUxNDA5/bevvxn3jq0068m9rwp1n.webp] When UBS Arena opened, the expectation was that playoff hockey would be a thing, especially after back-to-back runs to the semi-finals. If they miss this season, that would mean no playoff hockey in Elmont in two of the new building's first three seasons, a terrible look, and also a major financial concern for a team already struggling to fill the seats. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA0NDM2NzMyNDM3ODY2Mjcy/usatsi_17209226-1.jpg] Up next is the topic of free agency. Islanders have not had much success bringing in free agents, an ongoing issue for a rather long time. Certain things have impacted that, like New York taxes, salary-cap space, upper management, and having the New York Rangers right next door, which has always been the more "exciting" landing spot. Unlike in other sports, where money, more often than not, trumps winning, hockey players want to win. So, a bad way to market your team to potential clients is by not winning enough. On the flip side, making the playoffs doesn't blind potential adds from their perception of the team, which right now lacks an identity. There is no real sure direction on where the team is heading, with so many long-term contracts and very little cap flexibility. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA0NjkwNjc2OTQyNjQ0NTU1/loulamoriello.png] While making the playoffs won't guarantee a top-flight free agent is coming to Long Island, missing will surely negatively affect the mindset. What about the mindset of the core players already on the roster? When we spoke to Mathew Barzal after the Islanders were eliminated after six games by the Carolina Hurricanes at the end of last season, he was frustrated with the fact that it took until Game 82 to get into the playoffs, citing the desire to be safer in a playoff spot come the end of this season. That hasn't happened, and if they miss, Barzal, who is finishing up the first season of an eight-year deal posting career-best numbers, will be anything but thrilled. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA0Mjk1NzI4OTI5OTczOTAw/usatsi_22452897.jpg] It will be frustrating for everyone in this room, but the star who has been dominant not being happy with the way the regular season has gone for a second straight season isn't a positive. Every team that qualifies for the postseason but doesn't end up hoisting the Stanley Cup at the end is always disappointed. There can only be one winner, but image -- in sports and every job -- has become everything. The Islanders making the playoffs in two of the last three years and five of the last six seasons is a much better look than the team missing the playoffs in two of the last three seasons. Buckle up and enjoy the last two weeks of the regular season. TOP STORIES
