Five Islanders players need to play at their very best in February in order to remain in the playoff race
The New York Islanders have the talent to compete in 2024 for a wild card berth at the very least, but a few players need to step up and play at their very best.
Despite not having a wild card place, the New York Islanders are just four points behind the Detroit Red Wings (58 points) after winning their first game following the All-Star Break. As a result, the Isles are still very much in the running to make the playoffs, and a successful February will position them to participate in some key games in March.
The Islanders need all five of their star players to continue playing at a high level, but if they want to be in the running, they need to improve as a team. These aren’t just names that have recently gone unnoticed; they are also possible impact players.
Bo Horvat needs to step up when games are close.
Bo Horvat has performed as expected for the Islanders in 49 games, scoring 20 goals and amassing 45 points. Horvat trails only Brock Nelson in the team’s goal totals, while not being the team leader in points. Additionally, he is surpassing the latter in two specific scoring categories: game-winning goals and power play goals.
We need to continue observing Horvat’s output on the power play now that the All-Star Break is over and the season’s most crucial stretch is drawing near. When the stakes are rising, New York’s prospects of eventually earning a position in the wild card are stronger the better he performs on the man advantage.
Horvat and Matt Barzal are tied for the most game-winning goals scored, but Horvat has to step up in crucial moments since he always seems to be able to pull through. It’s time for him to deliver on his promise that he came to Long Island: to make this squad a genuine contender.
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