NHL playoff standings: Can the Isles sneak into the playoffs?

As play began on the day after the NHL trade deadline, the New York Islanders were four points behind the Ottawa Senators, who were in possession of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. There were also four teams between the Isles and Sens.

Fast-forward to Wednesday, and the gap between the Islanders and another playoff berth is just one point. Can they pull this off?

The first team standing in their way is the Vancouver Canucks, who visit UBS Arena on Wednesday night (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+). The Canucks are fighting for their own playoff berth, trying to catch a resurgent St. Louis Blues team that has caught fire since the deadline. So this game will be no gimme for the hosts.

From then on, things get more difficult: The next five games are against playoff-bound teams -- the Tampa Bay Lightning (twice!), Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild and Washington Capitals. They get a one-game respite against the Nashville Predators, then close out with Metro Division foes -- the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils, Capitals again and Columbus Blue Jackets -- who will be in no mood to do the Isles any favors.

The road will be tough, but many have counted this team out before at their own peril. The Stathletes projections give the Isles a 24.3% chance of proving the doubters wrong again.

There is less than a month left until April 17, the final day of the regular season, and we'll help you track it all with the NHL playoff watch. As we traverse the final stretch, we'll provide details on all the playoff races, along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2025 NHL draft lottery.

Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.

Jump ahead:br/>Current playoff matchupsbr/>Today's schedulebr/>Yesterday's scoresbr/>Expanded standingsbr/>Race for No. 1 pick

Current playoff matchups

Eastern Conference

Western Conference

Wednesday's games

Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available to stream on ESPN+ (local blackout restrictions apply).

Tuesday's scoreboard

Expanded standings

Atlantic Division

Toronto Maple Leafs

Points: 89