New York Islanders Clinch Final Playoff Spot In The East

After a thrilling 2022/23 NHL season, the 16 team playoffs are set, with the final team clinching their place on Wednesday night in the form of the New York Islanders, who battled past the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins to claim their spot in the big dance.

After a down year in 2021/22, the Islanders bounced back with a hot start to this season, and while they struggled for goal scoring consistency at points, the team have found a way, and will now battle either the Carolina Hurricanes or Boston Bruins in round one. 

TO THE ISLAND! 🏝@UBSArena will get its first taste of #StanleyCup Playoffs action with the @NYIslanders locking up the East's final Wild Card spot! pic.twitter.com/0Ypx8whn38

— NHL (@NHL) April 13, 2023

Those matchups don't favour New York, but after back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances, this is a team that can get it done in the playoffs, and certainly shouldn't be counted out when the lights are on bright. 

Photo Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports