"A major goal for the New York Islanders this season will be to make a strong run for a playoff spot. While the focus is on building a sustainable, long-term contender, fans, players, and management want to ditch last season and get back into the Eastern Conference playoff picture. But would a return to the postseason be a realistic goal? Given the talent on the Islanders' roster, it's certainly a possibility."
"Last season, the Islanders were plagued by an irrational number of injuries. It was almost as if someone had placed a voodoo curse on the team. For instance, Anthony Duclair recently revealed he sustained a major groin injury early in the season. He played despite the ailment not fully healing, leading to a disastrous season. Similarly, Mathew Barzal was lost for an extended period, with the blue line being decimated at various points in the season."
"The Metro Division looks packed at the top this season. The Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Capitals should all make strong cases for a playoff spot. The New York Rangers will likely bounce back after an atrocious campaign last season. Including the Islanders, that's five clubs vying for three playoff spots. Throw the Columbus Blue Jackets into the mix, and it could be a six-way struggle for the three top seeds in the Metro."
The New York Islanders aim to make a strong run for a playoff spot while continuing to build a sustainable, long-term contender. Last season featured an unusually high number of injuries that disrupted key contributors such as Anthony Duclair and Mathew Barzal, with Duclair playing through a major groin injury and Barzal missing extended time. The team produced encouraging stretches despite roster setbacks. The Metro Division projects as highly competitive with Carolina, New Jersey, Washington, New York Rangers, and Columbus all contesting limited top seeds. If injuries do not derail the season, the Islanders could realistically contend for a wild-card berth in 2025-26.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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