Is New York A Playoff Team?

New York Islander Fan Central | 3/21/2026 10:45:00 AM |
What can I write that has not been written? Columbus is 17-2-4 at the time of this writing, and is now the third seed. Anyone watching close enough it was inevitable they were going to pass New York unless they matched them. I see Columbus making a run at the Canes, and passing the Pens, who do lose but have shown they can beat the top teams like Colorado, and are now healthy. New York has a problem being top three team which I felt was the best way to a playoff spot. Ok, that's now likely gone, and the goal should be get the 7th-8th seed.

We saw the Senators game, they lost their overtime point(s) on a shot going wide that hit Pelech, and bounced to Tkaczuk. Anyone acting like this is not how they get points/win has not been watching. Tons of Sorokin with two goals from somewhere (Schenn has produced) but no points against a team that lost in Washington the night before.
This was the game they won at Montreal recently with Schaefer's two goals, it's the game they won all season, it is likely they only way they can win or qualify for a playoff spot. Can they beat Columbus? Unlikely, however they did win a game (overtime) at Jackets at a time they had a little rust off the break.
Then we'll see, Belmont despite spin is having problems selling tickets, and fast/skilled teams like Hawks, Dallas (any team) can beat the low scoring NYI on a given game.
Still a lot of hockey to play, despite spin NYI schedule is rough. Will they qualify? Unless they keep winning ugly, no. Is it possible they win ugly? Yes, but I don't see them getting back into the top three in their division unless Columbus becomes the team they were before Bowness was hired where they were dead last in their division. Fourteen over was a playoff spot the last two years, not this time. They are far above my expectations but this is about winning the cup, not one and out in the playoffs, that's what they added all these character veterans instead of adding in rentals or bringing up scoring forwards.
As for the prospect site. It will continue as always with the Hamilton section being added when they have a news conference.

New York Announces Move To Hamilton For 2026-27

New York Islander Fan Central | 3/19/2026 05:18:00 PM |
Here With comments from Kelly Cheeseman/Darche/and Hamilton pending AHL BOG approval.
Nothing to be written that has not been written here months ago.
“On behalf of the entire New York Islanders organization, I want to extend our deepest thanks to the City of Bridgeport and the incredibly loyal fans who have supported this team for the past 25 years,” said Kelly Cheeseman, President of Business Operations for the Islanders and UBS Arena. “From the early days of the Sound Tigers to our time as the Bridgeport Islanders, this community has been the heart of our AHL operations. We are grateful for the memories, the partnerships, and the passion the fans in Connecticut have shown our players and staff.”
“We are excited to make Hamilton our primary affiliate in the American Hockey League,” said Mathieu Darche, General Manager and Executive Vice President of the Islanders. “The support the city has shown our organization throughout this transition has been incredible. We look forward to having our top young talent play in front of such a strong fanbase inside the newly renovated, world-class TD Coliseum and we are committed to establishing ourselves in the community to engage a new generation of hockey fans.”
The Islanders remain committed to working with the City of Bridgeport on a successful transition for Total Mortgage Arena.
“The return of professional hockey to Hamilton marks an exciting new chapter for our city and sports fans across the region,” said Nick DeLuco, Senior Vice President and General Manager of TD Coliseum. “TD Coliseum is proud to play a role in energizing downtown, supporting a passionate fan base and strengthening our connection to the community.” “Hamilton is thrilled to welcome an AHL team to our city,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “This is an exciting moment for Hamiltonians and a major step forward in building on the momentum we’re seeing in our downtown. Bringing professional hockey back to TD Coliseum means more opportunities for families to come together and increased support for local businesses. It strengthens our city’s proud hockey tradition while creating new opportunities for young players and fans alike to connect with the game.”

Eiserman Signs ELC/Updated ATO Bridgeport

New York Islander Fan Central | 3/18/2026 07:43:00 PM |
Eiserman requires an ATO (amateur tryout) to play at Bridgeport for the rest of this season.
Formality-Eiserman is practicing in Bridgeport so obviously he signed an ATO.

New York Signs Kashawn Aitcheson ELC

New York Islander Fan Central | 3/17/2026 04:43:00 PM |
The problem here is he is a LD. Pelech's spot, Schaefer's spot, and Darche's 50 million dollar contract in Romanov is a LD. Also Isiah George. Bottom line at some point all of them can't play here.

New York Notables: Shabanov/Varlamov

New York Islander Fan Central | 3/16/2026 12:32:00 PM |
The drum beat goes on, three straight in Canada ends the road games for the season besides a late trip to Buffalo/Carolina. Senators charging hard for playoffs. New York did win in Ottawa early, they won in Montreal recently. All three will come to the failed Belmont experiment before the season ends. New York needs 4/6 points here plus a win against Columbus. Then they have to prove in front of marginal crowds with so many games back to back here they can win wearing blue jersey's after Kings beat them (twice) & they hung on against Calgary.
Roy again has Heineman on LW where he had two outside goals, Barzal on RW because Schenn/Pageau means Barzal/Ritchie are permanent wing.
Shabanov has a lower body injury/day to day. Duclair will likely stay in. Varlamov is facing pucks in practice but Darche said he's done for the season at the deadline. Sorokin starts against thw struggling Leafs without Matthews who can beat anyone on a given night.
Ryan Stome for a 7th vs Schenn for a 1st/3rd? Strome, general mangers should sign rentals if both players comparable. Strome has been a consistent forty point player, and yes, he played here.