If the Toronto Maple Leafs lose in any way tonight, the Islanders can slot into a playoff seed with any win.
Unfortunately, the same can be said for the Florida Panthers, who are tied with the Islanders in points.
For the Islanders to move into a spot, the Panthers will have to lose in regulation to the LA Kings. For Doug Weight and his team, they are well aware of the circumstances surrounding tonight’s match-up.
Unsurprisingly, Thomas Griess will start in net yet again for the Islanders.
The decision makes sense for a team chasing one playoff spot while there are about four other teams well in the mix.