If the Islanders want to put a positive spin on this season in public, they still can.
The Islanders are just two points out of a playoff spot.
On a per-game basis, they’ve spent the smallest amount of time trailing in the league — an indicator their 8-7-6 record could be due for a turnaround.
The Metropolitan Division is weak and, if they can get into the playoffs, the Islanders have the sort of goaltending and play style to upset a team or two.