Back-to-Back Losses to Caps Make Series Finale a Must-Win for Islanders | NYHN+

To say that the New York Islanders need to win on Tuesday may come across as an even more obvious statement than saying water is wet. Yet here we are, the Islanders need to come away with a win against the Washington Capitals to close out the three-game set.

The consecutive losses and their recent 5-4-1 stretch have not done New York any favors in terms of maintaining control over home-ice in the playoffs. In fact, their chances of finishing first or second in the division have dropped to a mere nine percent and 28 percent respectively, according to PlayoffStatus.com.

The Islanders are four points back of the Pittsburgh Penguins and three points back of the Washington Capitals. The Boston Bruins are three points back of the Islanders in fourth but take on Pittsburgh on Tuesday night.