Islanders Face Tough Stretch, Injuries, and Affiliate Move

0:00You're listening to NHL News today. Subscribe now for fast daily updates on your team. The New York Islanders faced a tough stretch for March 13th to 20th, splitting their four games with two wins and two losses. They started the week 3rd in the Metropolitan Division, but now sit at 83 points, tied with the Columbus Blue Jackets who hold the tiebreaker, and just one point behind the wildcard spots held by Detroit and Boston at 84 points each. Their results included a close 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on March 13th, a 3-2 win over Calgary the next day, a solid 3-1 victory at Toronto on March 17th, and another tight 3-2 defeat at Ottawa on March 19th. Standout efforts came from players like Simon Homestrom with two goals against Calgary and Matthew Barzall, dishing three assists versus Toronto. Fans and analysts are feeling the pressure as the Islanders look over their shoulders at teams like Ottawa and Philadelphia with only about 13 games left.

1:04The surging Blue Jackets on an 11-game point streak have made the race even tighter, and models show the Islander Stanley Cup odds slipping A bit after those regulation losses. Injuries are hitting hard too, with Goli, Semion Valimov, defenseman Alexander Romanov, forward Kyle Palmieri, and Pierre Enville, all out for the season on injured reserve. Max Shabanov remains day-to-day with a lower body issue. Meanwhile, the organization announced on March 13th they're moving their American hockey league affiliate to Hamilton, Ontario, shaking up there, development plans as they push for a playoff push.