A third straight playoff berth has long seemed a foregone conclusion for the struggling Islanders.
A spot is still there for the taking, provided they start playing playoff-quality hockey. They cannot afford to get swept in their next series, two games against the rival Rangers starting Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.
The teams also play Saturday night at Nassau Coliseum to conclude their eight-game, season series.
"It definitely gets a little frustrating when things aren’t clicking," Matt Martin said after the Capitals completed a three-game sweep with a 1-0 win on Tuesday night in Washington.