As the NHL regular season approaches its final weeks, the New York Islanders find themselves in a precarious position, four points behind the Ottawa Senators for the last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. With the trade deadline now passed, the Islanders are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Vancouver Canucks at UBS Arena on March 26, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Currently, the Islanders are in a tight race with several teams vying for playoff positions. The Senators, holding the coveted final wild-card spot, have 79 points with 28 regulation wins and 12 games remaining. Meanwhile, the Islanders are struggling at 74 points with 25 regulation wins and only 12 games left to play. The stakes are high, as the Islanders must capitalize on every opportunity to close the gap.
The Canucks, visiting New York, are also in the playoff hunt, trying to catch the surging St. Louis Blues. This matchup will not be an easy win for the Islanders, who have a daunting schedule ahead. After facing the Canucks, the Islanders will play five consecutive games against playoff-bound teams: the Tampa Bay Lightning (twice), Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild, and Washington Capitals. Each of these teams is fighting for their own playoff positions, making every game increasingly critical for the Islanders.
Despite the challenges, the Islanders remain hopeful. According to projections from Stathletes, the Islanders have a 24.3% chance of making the playoffs. With less than a month left until the regular season concludes on April 17, 2025, every game becomes a must-win. Fans and analysts alike are keeping a close eye on the Islanders’ performance as the playoff picture begins to take shape.
In contrast, the New Jersey Devils also find themselves in a critical juncture of their season as they prepare to face the Chicago Blackhawks on the same night. The Devils lead the head-to-head series against the Blackhawks 1-0-0, having previously secured a 4-1 victory on December 14, 2024. In that game, Dawson Mercer, Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Timo Meier scored for New Jersey, showcasing their offensive prowess.
However, the Devils are currently struggling, entering the game on a three-game losing streak. They hold a record of 4-5-1 over their last ten games and need to improve quickly if they want to secure a playoff berth. Jesper Bratt is leading the team with 82 points and has been on a scoring tear, racking up 12 points in his last seven games. Timo Meier is also shining, netting seven goals in March alone.
Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are playing out the string of a disappointing season. With a record of 21-41-9, they recently broke a seven-game losing streak by defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 7-4. Despite their struggles, Connor Bedard continues to impress, leading the team with 20 goals and 56 points. The Blackhawks have the second-best odds of winning the draft lottery, making their focus on the future rather than the present.
As the Devils prepare to face a team that has been officially eliminated from playoff contention, they are expected to come out strong. The prediction for the game is a 5-2 victory for New Jersey, reflecting their urgent need to secure points in the standings. Betters may find value in the Devils to cover the spread at -1.5, currently set at +120. Additionally, with Meier’s recent scoring success, he is a favored pick as an any-time goal scorer against the Blackhawks.
As the NHL playoff race heats up, fans can expect thrilling games and intense competition as teams battle for their postseason lives. For the Islanders, Canucks, Devils, and Blackhawks, every game is a chance to either solidify their playoff hopes or prepare for a long offseason.
The Islanders’ journey will be closely monitored as they navigate a tough schedule, and their upcoming games will be pivotal in determining their fate. Meanwhile, the Devils are fighting to maintain their playoff position and regain momentum after a rough stretch. With so much on the line, the excitement of the NHL season is far from over, and fans are eager to see how the final weeks unfold.
