New York Islanders: Three things to watch for during the last 10 games

Getting it done away from the Island

Much like the power play, the better teams are not only the ones who can win at home, but the teams that can win on the road. While having home ice could mean you lose every road game in a playoff series and still win, that is not a plan I would try to execute.

To win anything in this league, you must be able to go on the road and win hockey games. Luckily, the Islanders have been solid on both the road and their respective home arenas, the Isles are about to get another little pre-playoff test.

Of the remaining 10 games, six of them are away from the Island. That includes their last two games of the year. They end the year in Florida, then D.C. in what could be a game that decides the division.

The Islanders have an impressive 20 wins on the road already this season, but they will need to win at least half of their remaining road games to really stand a chance at keeping a top two spot in the division.

This time of the year, it is not easy going on the road and playing. Every team will at least be playing for something and any team not eliminated will not be a tough team for the Islanders.

After all, this is the same Isles team that just lost to the Red Wings on the road, but beat the playoff pushing Wild. There is really no way of knowing which Isles team we will be seeing on the road based on the recent games.

The Isles still need to go to Philly, Montreal, Winnipeg, and Columbus before the season closes out in the aforementioned game vs the Caps. There is no doubt the Isles will be getting a great does of opposing playoff crowds and atmosphere before they actually begin.

These next 10 games, the Isles will need to be true road warriors. Pass the ultimate test right before the big stage. Everything they have done all season up to this point can be null and void if they let points slip away on the road down the stretch.