If the New York Islanders were in the Atlantic division, their playoff chances would increase exponentially. Nothing is set in the Atlantic, as the three automatic playoff spots in the division are very much up for grabs.
However, being in the Metropolitan division is a whole different ballgame. With the season’s the Capitals, Penguins, Blue Jackets, and Rangers are having, the top three automatic spots in the Metro and the first wild-card in all likelihood are set. That leaves just one playoff spot open for the Islanders.
Not only do the Islanders have to beat out all of the teams below them in the Metro but also all the teams in the Atlantic after the top three in the division.