The New York Islanders walked into a daunting challenge, facing the much tougher Alberta team on the second half of a back-to-back swing through the province, and they did nothing to dispel the impression they’ve conveyed all season: The 2021-22 edition just doesn’t have it.
The Islanders lost, 5-2, in a game that they never looked like they could really win unless things broke just right. Which is how even their best moments against playoff-bound teams have gone this year. They hung in there, sure, but the Flames have a Pacific lead-worthy record for a reason and the Isles are below even NHL .