The Devils and Pens have repeated shot themselves in the foot. The Isles have passed both of them and honestly Washington is probably going to sell. Unless Jersey can wake up, currently the Islanders are probably the only team below the playoff line that has a decent chance of still making it. Their schedule until in the first half of March isn't that bad. Last game against Boston was probably their best game this season, and they played well against Dallas and Detroit. St Louis at home is winnable. Then they go on the Cali road trip (Ducks and Kings on btb nights). They have to beat the Sharks and the Ducks. They need to try to at least get a point against the Kings (second half of btb). Then they go to Buffalo which is again a game that they should win and go home to play Ottawa another winnable game. This stretch of 6 games, they should and MUST go at least 4-1-1 (prob more like 5-1 or 5-0-1). The rest of March is going to be tough. Right after the Ottawa game is a road game against the Rangers. They must be hungry to beat the Rangers after that Stadium Series collapse. They play Carolina at home, Detroit on the road, back to back games against Winnipeg and Jersey at home, Florida on the road, and Tampa on the road to end March. First half of March is favourable, but the second half of March is going to be tough. If they do well in the first half of March, then the 2nd half of March probably decides whether they make the playoffs or not. Philly also has a tough stretch of games in March too (Toronto 2x, Boston 2x, Carolina, New York Rangers, and Florida). The last playoff spot probably comes down between Philly and the Islanders unless the Devils wake up. The Islanders on paper have the better forwards, the better blueline, and the better goalie. Torts is still the better coach than Roy, but he isn't miles better like he was compared to Lambert. I believe they do end up making the playoffs with like 20 OT/SO losses.
McDavid, Connor
250 000 $)
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