NYHN Daily: Isles Magic Number 8, Playoff Picture, Penguins Get Healthy

Things have never been tighter for the Islanders as the team finds itself jockeying for position in the East Division. The Islanders are tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins for second in the East with the Boston Bruins nipping at their heels just three points away in third.

Oh yeah, and the Islanders’ biggest rival, the New York Rangers, are still very much in the playoff picture as well.

Naturally, the Islanders have seen their goal-scoring production taper off during the final weeks of the season, but despite that, they’ve still managed to get points. What’s the playoff picture look like, Mathew Barzal’s offensive drought and more in the NYHN Dail.

Mathew Barzal hasn’t been able to find the back of the net in his last 10 games and he only has five points in that span. Not exactly what the Islanders need right with the East Division playoff picture so fluid. (NYI Hockey Now) 

Kyle Palmieri’s future is a little in flux after this year. His concern, however, is just getting the Islanders some wins. (NYI Hockey Now) 

Wins or just getting points has been the focus of Barry Trotz all season. Now is the time that those things really, really matter with the Islanders season down to just nine games. Here’s how the playoff picture stands for the Isles. (PlayoffStatus.com)

The Islanders and Washington Capitals will get another chance to square off against one another on Saturday. It’s the second of three games against one another with plenty on the line. (ESPN)

The Islanders didn’t skate on Friday after the loss, rather they took time to reflect on Thursday’s loss. (Newsday)

When the Islanders and Washington hit the ice at Nassau Coliseum, Alex Ovechkin may or may not be there. The Washington superstar did not play in the closing minutes of Thursday’s game or take a shift in overtime. He’s said to be dealing with a lower-body injury. (Washington Post)

The Philadelphia Flyers did not do the Islanders any favors on Friday night by falling to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. (Philly Hockey Now) 

Do the Pittsburgh Penguins have it in them to win a Stanley Cup this year? An examination of that very idea from Shelly Anderson. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

Pittsburgh is also getting an important piece back on the ice in practice. Evgeni Malkin skated in a non-contact jersey on Friday with the rest of his teammates. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now) 

The Boston Bruins could be without  Patrice Bergeron for a little bit. He’s dealing with a lower-body injury. (Boston Hockey Now) 

The Florida Panthers will be letting 9,000 fans into BB&T Center for the playoffs, the team announced on Friday. (Florida Hockey Now)

Philipp Grubauer is off the COVID protocol list. (Colorado Hockey Now) 

The San Jose Sharks had a lot to say about some pretty hot button issues. Evander Kane addressed the Derek Chauvin verdict and Logan Couture reacted to the comments made by Robin Lehner. (San Jose Hockey Now)