NHL Power Rankings: Ducks soar, Maple Leafs in free fall

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 30: The shot of Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) deflects off the mask of Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) during the NHL preseason game between the Nashville Predators and the Tampa Bay Lightning, held on September 30, 2017, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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CALGARY, AB – MARCH 11: Matthew Tkachuk /

21. New York Islanders

Setting aside John Tavares and the issues regarding an arena, the Islanders have had a disappointing season. As the season went on, the Islanders fell further and further out of the playoff chase. Right now, they sit seven points out of the playoffs, and that gap is getting harder and harder to close. Even though the Islanders won’t make the playoffs, they were able to lock down a new stadium deal and rookie sensation Mathew Barzal is the favorite to win the Calder Trophy. Health is what derailed the Islanders’ playoff chances this season. Their blue line struggled to stay healthy and the goaltending was inconsistent.

The Islanders hit a rough patch of games to start this week, dropping points to the Vancouver Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers. If the Islanders could have picked up those points, they would likely still be in the playoff chase. Fortunately, they were able to salvage points against Calgary when they won on Sunday. If the Islanders want any chance of making the playoffs, they will need to sweep their home and home series with the Washington Capitals this week. If the Islanders can win both and pull four points back from their division rivals, they can save their season for another week.

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