The New York Islanders went 2-2-0 from March 13 to 20, 2026, falling from third in the Metropolitan Division to just outside the playoffs. A 3-2 regulation loss to Ottawa on March 19 left them tied at 83 points with the Columbus Blue Jackets, who hold the tiebreaker. They trail Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins by one point for wild-card spots.
The Islanders began the week in a solid third-place position in the Metropolitan Division. However, narrow losses shifted their standing significantly. After the 3–2 defeat to Ottawa, they now sit one point behind the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins, both at 84 points and occupying the first and second wild-card positions. The Columbus Blue Jackets, on an 11-game point streak, hold the tiebreaker over New York at 83 points each. Teams like Ottawa with 79 points and Philadelphia with 78 points are close behind, with about 13 games left in the season. The Islanders' magic number to clinch a playoff spot has not improved. Analytical models indicate a slight dip in their Stanley Cup odds due to regulation losses without overtime points. Depth concerns persist as several key players are out for the season's remainder. On March 13, the organization announced relocation of its AHL affiliate to Hamilton, Ontario.