Islanders @ Devils: The marbles [Game #81]
Keep it fair, keep it fair. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
It seems so simple, yet can be so elusive. With one game to spare, the Islanders can land where we thought they could never be just a few weeks ago: on the path to a short first-round elimination by the Hurricanes. (Or, if things break differently elsewhere, a nail-biting meeting with the Rangers.)
Win tonight in Newark and they’re in. Lose in extra time and they still might be in. Lose in regulation and have things break poorly elsewhere, then Wednesday vs. the Penguins suddenly gets very uncomfortable.
Of course, the Isles have yet to beat the Devils this season, and the home team will be loose with nothing but fun and pride to play for in front of home fans.
The scenarios, again:
Beat the Devils, clinch 3rd place. (Then if the Rangers beat Ottawa, the Isles would also clinch a matchup with the Hurricanes.)
If the Islanders pick up a point in an overtime or shootout loss and the Caps lose to the Boston Bruins, the Isles still clinch third in the Metro, or clinch a playoff spot if only the Red Wings lose.
If the Islanders lose in regulation, they need two of the following to happen: the Capitals lose in regulation, the Red Wings lose in regulation or the Penguins lose in any fashion.
It’s Mat Barzal’s 500th regular season game, but Noah Dobson will be out again.
Enjoy, confirm your worst fears!...
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