The Islanders did not execute, and their power play failed them (again) last night in Tampa, so they now face the final game of their 13-game road slog with the prospect of coming home below NHL .500.
They’ve already dug themselves a hole thanks to the Metro’s “Everyone’s a Winning Team!” nature this season. That’s sure to change as Metro teams finally beat each other, of course. And perhaps finally opening UBS Arena and getting some home games in will lift their spirits. But at this point the Isles are five points and five teams away from the final wild card spot.