The 20-22-7 New York Islanders are still trying to claw their way back into playoff contention in the Eastern Conference. With 47 points, they trail the Toronto Maple Leafs by 11 points for the eighth and final playoff spot. The Islanders were presented with a golden opportunity to gain ground on the Maple Leafs, playing them in a home and home, back to back last week, but they dropped both games – one in overtime.
Overall, the Islanders have been playing better in recent weeks; they're 6-3-1 in their past 10 games, which is tied for the third such current 10 game stretch in the Eastern Conference.
Tonight the Islanders travel to Ottawa to face the Senators, who they trail by 13 points in the Eastern Conference standings. The Senators are reeling and will look to get healthy against the Islanders tonight. They've lost four consecutive games, including a 4-3 lost to the Boston Bruins on Tuesday.
For more on the Islanders, head over to the SB Nation blog Lighthouse Hockey.