New York Islanders: With playoffs clinched, what happens next? – 3 things

In case you have not heard, the New York Islanders are officially playoff bound. While the very most we know right now is that they are going, it is encouraging they clinched so early. With that, what happens next?

For the first time in two seasons, and somehow for the fourth time in seven, the New York Islanders will be participating in the Stanley Cup playoffs. While that statement is still shocking to read, especially all things considered, it is official.

The Islanders have been a solid team for much of the season, aside from a few hiccups, they have probably been annoying to play against. They don’t give up very many goals and have a very oddly, but methodically built roster.

And even though I write this with the Islanders standing at 99 points, they will likely cross the 100 point mark by the end of the season. It really has been a lot of things going right for the Islanders. We now know that Barry Trotz, his people, and his system has worked out very well for a lot of the talent.

Arguable career years from both goaltenders, Robin Lehner and Thomas Greiss. Brock Nelson already has a career high in all goals, assists, and points. Same thing for Casey Cizikas for he has notched a new career high in goals (by a lot) and points. That’s just to name a few.

The Islanders’ identity, if I had to pick one that best suits them, is that they truly do need everyone firing on all cylinders to win. This is not new. They don’t have an over reliance on any specific player and often just need enough from all four lines.

With all this being brushed over, we know they are going to the playoffs. Just crossing some T’s and dotting some I’s left to do. Also, nothing is official in terms of seeding.

So, with the Islanders officially clinched, here is what happens next.