Tim Kavanagh, ESPN.comMar 24, 2024, 08:00 AM ET
CloseTim Kavanagh is a senior editor for ESPN digital editorial. He’s a native of upstate New York.
After an 11-game Saturday, the NHL schedule makers have gifted us with a 10-game Sunday as the end of the 2023-24 regular season on April 18 closes in.
Perhaps the most impactful game on the playoff races will take place at UBS Arena, as the New York Islanders host the New Jersey Devils (5 p.m. ET, NHL Power Play on ESPN+).
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While it’s not quite a “loser leaves town” match, both teams need as many points as they can get as their playoff hopes appear to be dwindling.
The Devils had a fantastic 2022-23 season that included a first-round-series victory over the rival New York Rangers. Unfortunately, they’ve taken a couple steps back this season — which included injuries to star players, lackluster goaltending, and firing head coach Lindy Ruff — and as play begins on Sunday, they have a 19.3% chance of making the postseason, per Stathletes. Currently, they are six points back of the Detroit Red Wings for the second wild card (though they do have a four-game edge in regulation wins). After today’s matchup with the Isles, they play six of their final 10 games against teams currently in playoff position, and close out their season against the Isles.
New York was also a playoff team last season, losing to the Carolina Hurricanes in six games. Heading into this matchup, the Isles are three points and three regulation wins in back of the Wings, and their chances of making the playoffs sit at 12.1%. The Isles will play six of their final 11 games against teams currently in playoff spots, but they do have a game apiece left against three draft lottery darlings: the Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens.
For either team to qualify, the Red Wings (who currently occupy the wild-card spot in question) and the Washington Capitals, who are hosting the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday (12:30 p.m. ET,…
Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39794004/nhl-playoffs-bracket-standings-2024-devils-islanders-wild-card
Author : Tim Kavanagh
Publish date : 2024-03-24 12:59:16
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