On a night that the New York Islanders needed two points, they got them. Against the Ottawa Senators, who once again have taken up residence in the NHL’s basement apartment, anything less would have been unacceptable.
Powered by goals from Anthony Beauvillier, Oliver Wahlstrom, Mathew Barzal, and Adam Pelech, the Islanders rebounded after conceding a fluky goal in the first two minutes of the game. They now sit at 38 points through 38 games—or a perfect NHL .500 record.
It reiterates what has been clear about this team in 2021–22: They are a clear cut above the bottom-feeders but a clear cut below the playoff line.