Islanders Closing in on NHL Playoffs, But Who Will Join Them?
NHL Team Playoff Odds: Flyers' Hopes Sinking Fast

The race for the NHL playoffs is on. As we near the homestretch of the regular season, two spots remain up for grabs in the Eastern Conference.
The New York Islanders seem to have a strong grip on one of those spots, as evidenced by their latest NHL team playoff odds. But there is still much to be decided.
With that in mind, let’s break down the playoff odds for the remaining five contenders in the East.
Odds to Make Playoffs
The Flyers (36-32-11) are in a free fall, having dropped eight straight and nine of their last 10 games. They’ve allowed an unsightly 42 goals (5.2 per game) during their current losing streak, including nine in Tuesday’s loss to Montreal.
As such, the Flyers are now on the brink of elimination, sitting two points behind eighth-place Washington with just three games remaining. Complicating matters, the Flyers also trail both Pittsburgh and Detroit in the race for the Eastern Conference’s final playoff seed.
That seems like far too much to overcome, especially with how they’ve played in recent weeks. Their NHL team playoff odds have plummeted to +1300.
Washington (37-30-11) controls its own destiny, clinging to the final playoff spot in the East with four games left. The Capitals may need to go no worse than 3-1 the rest of the way, which could be a tough assignment given the remaining schedule.
After Thursday’s trip to Buffalo, the Capitals host contenders Tampa Bay and Boston before wrapping up the regular season on Tuesday in Philadelphia.
That the Capitals have the third worst goal differential (minus-40) is alarming.
Winners of five straight and six of their last seven games, the Islanders (36-27-15) have gone from afterthought to the verge of clinching a playoff spot. The Islanders now sit seventh in the East, two points ahead of Washington with four games to go. As such, their NHL team playoff odds are -750.
It has been quite a turnaround under Patrick Roy, who is 17-12-4 since taking over behind the bench.
With a goal differential of minus-21, the Islanders may not be along for the playoffs. But simply making it would be an accomplish given where they were just a few months ago.
It’s all there for the taking.
It seems almost inconceivable that Sidney Crosby could miss the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, but there’s a strong possibility. With four games left, the Penguins (36-30-12) have virtually no margin for error. They are currently in ninth, one point behind Washington.
Detroit visits Thursday in an essential elimination game. Both teams have 84 points.
The Penguins have played well down the stretch (6-1-3 over their last 10 games), but will its NHL results be enough? There are enough positive signs — including a plus-four goal differential — to think it will, but the Penguins still need to take care of what’s left on their schedule.
After hockey games today are dates with Boston and Nashville, followed by a trip to play the Islanders.
The Red Wings (38-32-8) are in essentially the same position as Pittsburgh, trailing Washington by one point for the eighth spot. They have alternated wins and losses over their last four games and are just 2-4-2 in their last eight, including a pair of losses to the Capitals.
Three of the Red Wings’ last four games are on the road, where they have struggled (16-19-3).
A loss in Pittsburgh on Thursday would all but eliminate the Red Wings from contention. It’s important to keep that in mind when hunting for better odds.
For free NHL picks, betting analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.