Islanders In January & February LOS ANGELES, CA -- For the first time since Jan. 13, the New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/new-york-islanders-alan-fuehring-brendan-burke-msgsn-anaheim-ducks-butch-goring] are back in a playoff spot. After earning two points in a 6-1 beatdown of the Anaheim Ducks for a sixth straight victory, the Islanders tied the Detroit Red Wings in points, with 72. But due to playing one fewer game, the Islanders went to sleep on Sunday night as the second wild-card team in the East. They're two points back of the top wild-card Tampa Bay Lightning and the third-place Philadelphia Flyers, with two games in hand. On March 1, the Islanders were eight points back of Detroit. They ersed that eeficit in nine days. Two weeks ago, the Islanders could have done everything right but making the playoffs would have been out of their control, given the out-of-town scoreboard resuts. But rattling off five straight wins, while also getting outside help, has the Islanders in control of thier own destiny. In theory, if the Islanders miss the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, they can only have themselves to blame. Looking at the remaining 19 games, the Islanders will face 10 teams currently in a playoff spot, including the Los Angeles Kings who they face Monday night at 10 PM ET. With a win against the Kings, the Islanders can wake up on Tuesday morning in third place in the Metro, with a game in hand. TOP STORIES
