New York Islanders: Isles can use January schedule to propel into playoff picture

The New York Islanders have one game left in Buffalo before they ring in the new calendar year. However, it is what lies ahead in 2019 that has me excited to watch them.

The New York Islanders, regardless of the outcome in their game against the Sabres on New Year’s Eve, will end 2018 with a bang.

Winning three out of four games on a road trip, then once again banking some big wins in Canada, means more than one game vs the Sabres.

Right now, the Islanders are just technically out of a playoff spot. They do, however, have games in hand. The Isles are right there and still have a legit chance to see the playoffs.

Mathew Barzal is scorching hot, he even earned honors for his play this last week. Also, the Islanders won the first battle vs John Tavares‘ Maple Leafs, so that is a huge morale boost for this young core.

However, the reason why I am excited to see this team once the season turns into its latter half has nothing to do with just the talent.

The Islanders are a young core with Joshua Ho-Sang, Devon Toews, Barzal, etc.

No, the reason why the Islanders can propel themselves into the playoff picture, maybe even comfortably, is their schedule.

I hate to be that guy who looks at games as “winnable” or “tough” because anything can happen and we have seen the Islanders be streaky before, but there are some obvious perks to the Islanders schedule in January.

The Islanders will play seven home games next month.

That starts with two straight games vs out of conference opponents at NYCB Live, not even the Barclays Center where they are not as good.

The Islanders have recently won some back to backs on the schedule, but that is more impressive than a given.

In January, the Islanders play only a single set of back-to-back games. Home vs the Devils then travel to D.C. to play the Caps. That is on the 17th and 18th, after a night off, but after a home game.

Perhaps the best part of the schedule, the one that is the most important, is who they are playing.

They have a home and home vs the Rangers which is going to be fun regardless. It is always important when those two teams play.

But, at the time I write this, the Islanders only have two games against opponents who currently have more points than them.

The Lighting and the Caps are the only two teams that the Islanders play that has more points than them.

So, nothing is given in the NHL. However, the Islanders might be able to bank a hefty and significant amount of points in the month of January.

The timing of it could not be better. The Islanders could go into the NHL All-Star game in a playoff spot, which usually means they will make it.

Then, by the end of February, the NHL trade deadline will hit.

If the Islanders do their job in January, they will know they need to make moves to get better by the deadline and then the playoff push will really begin.

The Islanders are straight up a good team, not great.

However, if they can use the start of the 2019 schedule to their advantage, and keep rolling behind Mat Barzal and Barry Trotz only getting more familiar with his team, look out for the orange and blue.