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In a surprising turn of events, the New York Islanders once again control their own playoff fate.

After losing a key game against the Washington Capitals on Monday, it seemed as though the Islanders would be banking on a loss for the Florida Panthers at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday. This was based on the fact the Pittsburgh Penguins were set to face the two worst teams in the NHL for their final two games, and seemed like a safe bet to sneak past New York.

However, the Penguins ended up falling short against the Chicago Blackhawks at home yesterday, losing 5-2. As a result, they still sit one point behind the Islanders with a single game remaining and the Florida Panthers have now officially clinched a playoff berth. Given the Islanders hold the tiebreaker advantage over Pittsburgh, all the Islanders need to clinch their spot in the postseason is a single point tonight, as they host the Montreal Canadiens.

The Islanders have split their games against the Canadiens this season, picking up a 2-1 home win back in January, before losing to Montreal in overtime on the road in February. Obviously of the bunch, this is the most important matchup.

The team is essentially getting a second chance – an opportunity to make up for a loss that desperately needed to be a win. This time, they also have home ice advantage and face a team even further down the standings than the Capitals.

As noted yesterday, this is a team that has squandered opportunities and momentum this year when it counts, and this is the final chance to right the wrongs. Everything is lining up for them, they just need to capitalize.

Puck drop for the Islanders’ most important game of the season takes place at 7 p.m.



OTHER ARTICLES FROM APRIL

Islanders lose both games of weekend back-to-back as playoff race tightens
Islanders keep playoff fate in their own hands with big win over Lightning
Islanders’ playoff fate comes down to final two games after win over Flyers
Islanders’ playoff hopes take a huge hit with loss to Capitals

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