Islanders’ Playoff Path Clear: Big 3 Must Lead, Collective Effort Must Follow

As the New York Islanders push for a playoff spot, their Big 3 must keep producing — but depth scoring and strong starts are just as critical.

Stefen Rosner, David Kolb, and The Elmonters

Mar 24, 2026

∙ Paid

**PHOTO: Dennis DaSilva / New York Islanders**

After dropping the final two games of their road trip, the New York Islanders returned home to face the Columbus Blue Jackets — kicking off a stretch of 10 of their final 12 games at UBS Arena.

It felt like a must-win. And they played like it.

The Islanders shut out the Blue Jackets 1-0 in what was their most complete team effort in weeks, a victory that kept their playoff hopes alive and pushed them into the Eastern Conference’s second wild-card spot, leapfrogging the Detroit Red Wings.

Sunday’s win wasn’t just two points — it was a snapshot of how this team has survived all season.

Islanders’ Playoff Path Clear: Big 3 Must Lead, Collective Effort Must Follow

As the New York Islanders push for a playoff spot, their Big 3 must keep producing — but depth scoring and strong starts are just as critical.

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