Breaking Down the Battle for the Eastern Conference's Final Playoff Spot

New York Islanders

The Islanders controlled their own destiny going into Saturday's clash with Boston, but since that loss, which was followed by a loss to the Nashville Predators, each game has now become the biggest of the season.

New York's success at home has suddenly disappeared, making way for strong road performances. This success on the road has come at a key time as the Isles' rest-of-season schedule sees them playing five of their final seven games away from the Barclays Center.

Unfortunately for New York, they find themselves with a tough task ahead. Per PlayoffStatus, the Islanders have a 44% success rate against their remaining unplayed opponents. This percentage is the worst in the Eastern Conference, showing that the Islanders will have to play some of the best hockey possible in order to earn their spot in the playoffs.

The Islanders are limping to the finish line a bit, posting a 4-5-1 mark over their last 10 games.

Rookie Joshua Ho-Sang has been a bright spot, recording eight points in his first 14 NHL games.

Per our models, New York has a dwindling 18.32% chance to make the postseason. We project them to end the season with a 38-31-13 record, and we have them totaling 89.8 points